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And In That Moment I Swear I was Infinite: Study Abroad in Rome

A Study Abroad Program Review of Direct Enrollment: Rome - John Cabot University

Submitted by Ariana Crisafulli (communications,female,University of the Pacific) on December 11th, 2011

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Academics
Language
Housing & Food
Culture & Health
Final Opinion

Getting ready in a hostel bathroom in Venice

Personal Information

Start Date:

Jan 7, 2011

End Date:

May 10, 2011

International exposure prior to program?

0-2 weeks

Academics Overall

**Overall educational experience:

**Comment:

There wasn't much of a difference in the grading or educational system because it was an American school so the grading system was the same. The work load was pretty light, which was nice because it allowed me to enjoy Rome and to travel, which I think is of major importance while studying abroad. The only things that differed, however, was how the classes were taught. They were more hands on and laid back. For example, we went to a wine tasting for my Italian class and my final for my poetry class was a poetry reading in a bar. So those differences were pretty awesome :)

Language Overall

Foreign language component?

Yes

**Language acquisition improvement?

**Comment:

Most people spoke English, especially people that worked in restaurants or hospitality. Also, the University I attended was American so all the classes were taught in English, most of my classmates were American and my roommates were American too, so I mostly hung out with Americans and did not get a lot of chances to speak Italian. However, I did learn some because I took an Italian course with a professor who refused to speak English in class and I got to practice when ordering food and when I met people when I was out and about.

Host Country Program Administration Overall

**On-site administration of your program:

**Please explain the program's strengths and weaknesses:

I didn't really have a program. I enrolled directly.

Housing Overall

Living arrangements? (all that apply):

Apartment

Who did you live with?

Americans

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

**Housing satisfaction:

**Comment:

My apartment was amazing! It was right in the center of Rome (right behind the pantheon!) so it was right in the center of all the nightlife and all the clubs and bars were in walking distance, as well as the school. There were some issues with the hot water and the internet but they were always resolved, and if the internet went out for too long we could always go to the pub down the street where they had free wifi and if the hot water was out for too long, the landlady let us use her shower (all 6 of us!) so it really was very accommodating. Also, the apartment came with everything necessary for cooking, we did not need to buy anything, although the oven and stove were a little old and sketchy.

Food Overall

**Food satisfaction:

**Comment:

Italy is not the place to find dietary accommodations. The only thing I think that would be easy to get away with would be vegetarianism. Other than that, the food is spectacular! Anywhere in Trastevere (where John Cabot is located) is generally going to be good, and since it's near the school, many places give student discounts. There were some really good panini places there but I can't remember their names. However, I do remember Cafe Molva, which gave free cappuccinos to John Cabot students, and Carlo Menta, which had amazing food for REALLY cheap prices. Also, Cafe Pina had the best chocolate croissants as well as amazing food in general. They had really good cake and every day they made a new dish that people would flock to because it was so good and it usually cost about 5 euro. Not bad. The best pizza was pizza florida in piazza argentina and the best gelato was at a place called old bridge which was near the vatican.

Safety and Health Overall

**How well were health issues addressed through your program?

**Safety:

**Comment:

Before I left I was warned that Rome was a dangerous city but I did not have that experience at all. I never experienced any crime and people were generally pleasant. One thing I was warned about was gypsies stealing things but I never saw that either. The only gypsies I ever encountered looked more like regular homeless people than what you would think of as a gypsy and they usually just sat in one place all day, so they never tried stealing anything. There are also a lot of Bangladeshis whom I thought were gypsies but were not. They don't steal either, they just try to sell you cheap things constantly which can get rather irritating. I myself never had to go to the doctor or deal with any health issues. When I got a cold, or when I got the flu I just went to the local pharmacy and bought medicine. I did not have to get any vaccinations before I left.

Money Overall

**How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

General Assessment Overall

Review Title:

And In That Moment I Swear I was Infinite: Study Abroad in Rome

**Words of wisdom:

I would say that someone who loves to eat, loves good company, loves to party but also enjoys culture and history would benefit from this program. Basically, any multi-faceted person would enjoy it. The advise I would give these people is firstly, enjoy the food! Food is what Italian culture revolves around. Also, get a nice bottle of wine at least once and enjoy that. Italians make the best wine! But also, don't be ashamed to buy cheap box wine and drink it on the Spanish steps! That is definitely an experience you won't forget. Also, make good friends and travel with them, and do spontaneous things in your travels! Most of the fine I had abroad was when I didn't have a plan. But most iomprtantly, make sure that when you walk the streets of Rome, remind yourself EVERY DAY of where you are. Look at the cobbles stones, look at the ancient ruins, look at the elegantly dressed people, and the gypsies and the hobos. Take it all in and remind yourself that you are living in Rome because when you get back it will all seem like a dream.

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

Yes

**Overall satisfaction with your study abroad experience:

**Was your study abroad experience worthwhile?

The study abroad experience has changed my life so profoundly. I gained a confidence I didn't have before that comes only from knowing that you can go out into the world and not only survive it, but have an amazing time in it! It made me more confident to meet people, and more confident that I could make things happen for myself. I think it also opened up my eyes to other lifestyles and other ways of living and made me more open-minded and patient (Italians lifestyle is much slower than ours.) Also, before I studied abroad I was afraid of graduating because I didn't know what the world had to offer. I always thought that as soon as I graduated I would have to find a job and settle down. Now I know this isn't true. I know that the world has so much to offer and there's so much to see. I also realized I wasn't ready to settle down. Now, even though I don't have a plan, I am ecstatic to graduate because I can do what I really want! Travel! I also feel like I know myself better. There's something about living in another country that really makes you come to terms with yourself and sticks with you forever after that. I really cannot stress enough the importance of studying abroad and the incredible insights that come with it.

Go abroad again!:

Grad School Abroad

Intern Abroad

Teach Abroad

Work Abroad

Volunteer Abroad

What did you like most about this program?

I loved ALL the experiences I had :)

What could be improved?

I can't really think of anything...

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And In That Moment I Swear I was Infinite: Study Abroad in Rome

A Study Abroad Program Review of Direct Enrollment: Rome - John Cabot University

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