The best decision I could have ever made during college Past Review
By Lauren R (Merrimack College) - abroad from 08/01/2008 to 12/20/2008 with
API (Academic Programs International): Rome - John Cabot University
Yes it was worth it. I really feel I picked a great location to go to. Additionally, having met students from all programs, no programs, other schools in Rome, I am VERY happy that I chose API and John Cabot University, above all other options. Having a memory like riding a moped across the Bridge of Angels is priceless & just can't be experienced anywhere else.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were quite rigorous in all areas from art history to finance. All of the professors were very strong in their field and I not only worked hard during my semester, I also, grew my interest in certain academic areas as a result. My italian skills grew more from my class their in one semester than I received a year and a half back home. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The leaders of API based in Rome were excellent; wonderful guidance, really organized, thoughtful excursions and the orientation was very helpful. I have only wonderful things to say about the professors and dean of JCU as well. My only negative would be that-- I began enrolled in a finance course that was VERY challenging. After being in the course for two weeks I felt that I should really switch to a class level that I would be more comfortable in. The class met Thursday nights, the end of the week for JCU and because I had to wait till the following Monday to speak with the administration about switching the class I was told it was then TOO LATE. That in fact, the previous thursday was the last day to switch. I was forced to drop the course and had to pay the tuition for the course and lose the credits. I don't think I was given enough information about what to do if you need to alter any classes but, both API, home university, and JCU staff were very responsible and considerate. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing though API, placed me in an apartment building 15-20 minutes from Campus. I had a wonderful experience there; very clean, easily accessible, terrific roommates/landlord; great location. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
John Cabot is very international and the courses integrate all of the students very well. I found it very easy, despite only having american roommates, to make friends and spend most of time with italian and international students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The pharmacies in Rome are very good- I recommend if in doubt go right there and ask questions. |
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| 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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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150/week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | There is so much to see in Rome, you can save money by spending more time getting to know the city than traveling so much around Italy. Don't bother purchasing a tram ticket (people rarely check)- just buy a day pass and don't validate it unless you have to- then you only have to buy one! Make dinner- the food stores are great and the produce markets are unbeatable. If you like going out at night to clubs and discos- get to know your promoters that work with american students and hire international students- will save you money on entrance fees. Use airports outside the major cities when traveling- cheaper ticket prices. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | Italian II |
| 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? | Just do it. Everyone speaks italian so once you get over being so nervous, everyone is open to have small to lengthy conversations. Start by buying a coffee, ordering lunch, shoes or greeting and let it grow. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had known more about dropping/adding classes. I wish I had known more about the best ways to get around Italy and recommendations on places to stay in other cities. I wish I had known the layout of Rome a little better/ neighborhoods/ areas/ metro stops- Rome is VERY large. It takes a while to figure it out and couldnt possibly see the whole thing. It would have saved time to have more than a map but a real layout with advice and direction. Yes, pack the hair dryer. Yes, Rome gets pretty much all seasons. Yes, its a little dressier- pack your best things, that don't wrinkle, that don't require much washing, that breathe easily. Takes all day to wash and dry one pair of jeans.. |
