Travel and Exploration Past Review

By (Physical Therapy/Therapist., University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/25/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can be successful and survive on my own no matter what kind of environment I am surrounded by. I am confident in my navigation, and budget abilities.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

John Cabot University is an American-speaking university, however, majority of the students are European and speak their respective languages rather than English. Professors speak their languages as well, are unprofessional in that they are tardy to classes, do not communicate with students. Academically, the school was quite rigorous for a study abroad university and the limited amount of outside help available became problematic.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

API provided us with information and help in any aspect that we needed it. Program advisors are very approachable and easy to talk to. I recommend the program to anyone.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were in a very safe area, and was quite spacious from what I was expecting.

* Food:

University food is not satisfying, but Italian food was incredible.

* 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)

5,000$ for the semester, including travel expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200-300 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring 5,000 dollars abroad per semester. Eat out as minimal as possible during the week in order to travel on the weekend.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 5 years of Spanish, none of Italian.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

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
  • International Students
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?
  • API took us on many inclusive trips.
* What could be improved?
  • Information provided to students about host university prior to departure.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Italy contains absolutely no variety outside of the Italian culture what so ever.