Rome Italy was the most amazing experience of my life!!!!! Past Review
By Virginia P (Undeclared, University of California - Merced) for
University of California EAP (UCEAP): Rome - UC Center Rome
The cultural differences were noticeable but it was good to open up your eyes and expand your knowledge of other place around the world
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. |
The workload was heavier than what I normally get at UCM. I did not like that grading was based on how well you could memorize rather than the content of what you actually knew. I loved the fact that we had site visits because I feel that I was able to learn more due to the hands on type of teaching. Overall although the workload was insanely large and I feel that my grades, test scores, etc. did not actually reflect how much and what I learned rather than how good/ or in my case how bad my memory for specific/random things was; there is entirely TOO much content for a person to memorize EVERYTHING for 3 core classes plus learning an entirely different language. I know that the program is made so that students do not slack off because it is easy to do so while in another country but I think that the workload should be lightened. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I think the center closed a bit too early and it should've been opened during weekends. And we should have definitely had more internet access while at the center. They should also provided a gym for students to use, it is hard to stay fit eating such amazing food and it is a hassle to find a gym on your own because of price, I wouldnt have minded paying a little bit more to use a gym for students only!! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The visitors policy was a nag especially because we all tended to go out til very late hours and it was difficult for those friends not living in the residence to go home because they could not stay with us. |
| * Food: |
Not having the same ingredients as back home was disconcerting but you make it work |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Rome was amazing during Palm Sunday, Easter, and the Beatification of the Pope....it was also amazing to travel throughout Italy |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt totally safe while in Rome |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I made friends taht I tried speaking Italian to, plus I tried speaking it as much as possible with roomates ,and when going out I used every opportunity possible to speak it like with the cleaning ladies but then again when you are around students who speak your language you tend to go back to the language that doesnt make you rack your brain for a simple sentence |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Wear comfortable shoes girls be aware that the streets in Rome are made from cobble stones so comfortable, flats shoes is a must. And remember your gonna shop there so pack lightly on your way to because you will have soooo much more items when you return |
