Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I don't want to go back home! Past Review

By (Media And Cultural Studies, University of California - Riverside) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 05/03/2013 with

University of California EAP (UCEAP): Rome - UC Center Rome

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about different traditions and customs. I met really great people that will make me miss Italy. Living in such a rich historical country allows you learn something new everyday. On every corner there is a historical site you'll never be done exploring. Definitely worth it!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Courses are very intense and time consuming.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great staff! Very helpful and they definitely provide a comfortable environment.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Really safe country just make sure to look both ways before crossing streets.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60 Euros.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None.
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? Make friends with locals. The locals feel much more comfortable speaking their own language, which will force you to speak it as well. They will help you out and you just learn it so much faster.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The culture
  • The people
  • The City
* What could be improved?
  • Excursions
  • Facilities
  • Cultural immersion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Classes can be very time consuming so it's not a vacation.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.