High Paced Tour of Europe Past Review

By (Bryant University) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 05/05/2012 with

API (Academic Programs International): Rome - John Cabot University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence, travel skills, and a greater appreciation for what I have, my family, and the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I opted to live in a new style of housing. I stayed in a residence hotel with about 40 other students. The rooms were double rooms with a bathroom and a kitchenette. We were told the facility had coin operated washers and dryers, air conditioning, and internet. We were not able to used the washers and dryers, so a laundry service was provided by the hotel staff. Various residents received wet clothes and on more than on occasion, items of clothing went missing. Furthermore, for the first two months of our stay, the internet did not work and was unreliable for the final two months. Also, but less importantly, the air-conditioning did not work. Over all, I feel like we were promised many things that we ended up not receiving. Information and pictures we also misleading.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

I spent a lot of money on travel.

* 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? 600 dollars

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

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? Don't be afraid to use it

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Trips included with the program
* What could be improved?
  • Efficiency and planning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be afraid to branch out