Direct Enrollment: Rome - John Cabot University Photo

A Study Abroad Program Review For

Direct Enrollment: Rome - John Cabot University

Program Information

Many roads lead to Rome ... choose the right one!
Over 8,000 American students have studied abroad at JCU. But what makes JCU such a special place? It combines the academic quality of an independent, accredited university while giving you the services and care of a study abroad program.

John Cabot Univers... More

Provider: Direct Enrollment
Hosted at: John Cabot University
Location(s): Rome, Italy
Year Founded:
Website N/A

Review By:

Christine Z. (Marketing, The College of William and Mary) on May 20, 2010

Overall Rating

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved my two art history courses which were taught on site. I learned more outside the classroom than inside.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Housing was difficult to deal with but the student activities and the admissions office were lovely.

* Housing:

I lived with one other student in a two bedroom apartment. The kitchen was small but we each had our own bedroom. It was located right by the Vatican.

* Food:

Italian food is incredible!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Rome has so much history and culture to offer. You won't be able to see it all in one semester!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safety is an issue in any large city, but I had no problems.

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did The College of William and Mary prepare and support you for your time abroad?

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Traveling is the most expensive aspect of your budget, so make sure to save a lot of money beforehand and set aside money for the end of your trip so you don't run out.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Nonw
Language acquisition improvement?

I didn't take any Italian language courses.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? Yes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go somewhere that you can integrate yourself into the culture. Pick a location that is easy to get to so that you can travel to other locations and visit other cities.
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I made in college. Although I was very well traveled, I'd never been to Rome. I'm happy that I took many trips throughout Italy and really got to know the country I was studying in. Studying abroad provides you will difficult challenges, but the experience helps you to grow and mature as an independent adult. The weath of knowledge you aquire outside the classroom is incomparable, and you will gain a plethora of lifelong memories.