Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Rome is Urban Past Review

By (Chemistry., Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 07/01/2014 to 07/30/2014 with

Veritas Christian Study Abroad: Rome - Study Abroad and Missions Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
God is not confined to a certain place or an era

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Learned a ton, wasn't overly challenging! Professors left plenty of time to enjoy the abroad experience without having to study too much.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Italian apartment in safe, good location to transit with other roommates in program.

* Food:

Food was purchased on our own--the food in Italy is as good as they say.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Understood the culture but didn't take many chances to learn Italian since I did not have a host family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very helpful program that took this seriously.

* Safety:

Safe with the exception of pick pockets. But even they are not dangerous!

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? about $200 depending on week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Avoid restaurants and souvenirs--I wanted the full experience though!

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

Helpful with questions

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? 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? Strike up conversations with workers more than just ordering--there's no other way to practice than to initiate!

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Mission Mentor
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Larger window of airport pick-up
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go on a trip the first weekend!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Saints and Sinners in Rome
Course Department: Art History
Instructor: Eowyn Kerr-Di Carlo
Instruction Language: English
Comments: On-site everyday, extremely passionate professor, seriously awesome class
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Art of Rome
Course Department: Art History
Instructor: Carol Taddeo
Instruction Language: English
Comments: On-site everyday, learned a ton about Roman architecture, monuments, history, and art trends through ancient, byzantine, renaissance, and baroque periods. So cool to actually get to visit the buildings/pieces.
Credit Transfer Issues: