Wish I Could Go Back! Past Review
By A student (Kenyon College) - abroad from 01/20/2017 to 05/05/2017 with
Trinity College Rome Campus: - Study Abroad in Italy
It was absolutely worthwhile! You get outside of the American bubble and learn how to work through language barriers and cultural differences.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
While these courses may not have been as rigorous as the courses at my college, the rigor of your courses will depend on the topics you pick - I chose easier courses. The teachers were so kind and I ended up learning a great deal. They were also sensitive to money issues--they did not charge us a lot for books or resources, and our art instructor specifically chose cheaper materials. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They worked so hard! They were always working to improve, and taking our critiques seriously. I also felt I could go to them with any problems I had. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It might sound strange to live in a convent, but it was lovely. Most students have their own rooms with their own bathrooms. There were only a few doubles. And the sisters at the convent were so sweet. |
| * Food: |
The sisters made breakfast and lunch for us every day. They worked hard to accommodate dietary restrictions, and the food was delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I personally don't think this was Trinity's fault. There is only so much integration you can have when the campus is only for American students. If you participate in an internship program, you will get much more exposure. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program coordinators went over all our healthcare options with us at the start of the program and what to do in the case of an emergency. I did not need specific vaccines for the program. |
| * Safety: |
The coordinators advised us on the safe areas of the city and the unsafe areas. They also warned us of the dangers of popular bars and gave us plenty of safety instructions on the convent. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I absolutely loved the people who ran this program, and I felt like they did such a good job and worked so hard to make it a good experience. |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
If you spend all your money on alcohol each weekend, you are going to have no money at the end of your semester. I was also able to save money by traveling within the country more, because trains were cheaper than flights. If you travel with friends, you can also save on Airbnb's, hotels and hostels. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | A generous estimate is 50 euros/wk. They give you four dinner coupons during the week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Use those dinner coupons! Unfortunately, there was no place to cook yourself inside the convent, but there was a fridge and a microwave. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
How much you used the language depended on how much you wanted to. If you only talk to your American friends in English, you won't learn as much. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Latin |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Participate in the internship program! This was where I really got to practice. And when traveling, try using your Italian when you order food. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I should've stayed for another semester! |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
