Studying in Italy with API Changed My Life! Past Review

By (Business Administration - Management, Washington State University - Pullman campus) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an entirely new understanding of the world. Not through textbooks, but through experiences. I view the world through a new lens, and am a changed person for having viewed the masterpieces of Italy. I will be returning to Italy again and again, reliving the magical experience that made me a better person today.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

JCU is a great American-style university with highly-qualified professors and a good mix of American and English-speaking Italian students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My time in Rome with API was, undoubtedly, the most amazing and fulfilling experience of my life. API went above and beyond the call of duty to make every minute of my time over there an absolute pleasure. It was an overwhelmingly positive experience on every level, and this was largely due to API. The city of Rome has mysteries and wonders around every corner, and every moment I spent there was like a dream. I cannot be more adamant in my statement that I recommend API wholeheartedly and without pause, and it would be an absolute pleasure to recommend API to any prospective study abroad student! I am thrilled to recommend API's program in Rome at JCU. I had the experience of a lifetime, and it would be my absolute pleasure to recommend it to you. Every aspect of the program, at home and abroad, was executed flawlessly by API, and the staff was uniquely helpful in ways that I had never expected. The program directors in Rome (Audra and Cristina) were fantastic, and they made the trip even better. It is an experience I will never forget, and thanks to API, I had an amazing experience. So if you couldn't tell already, my answer as to whether or not I would recommend it, I say unequivocally...YES! Karen W. and Kimberly N. have gone far above and beyond their required duties to help me through the process of application. They have been gracious, patient, and extremely informative every step of the way. I am looking forward to continuing my business with API, and I highly recommend them for any study abroad program experience. A++

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing provided by API is fantastic. Spread throughout Rome's most enchanting locations, API students are fortunate enough to enjoy incredible housing at a great price. My apartment was located on Villa della Fornaci, a mere two minute walk from Vatican City. The street bustled with activity, and we were immersed in a charming Roman neighborhood right alongside the locals. The best part? One of our three balconies (yes, our apartment had three balconies) gave us the best view in the city, an amazingly close view of none other than the massive dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. It was a truly magical view by day and by night. We were located at a central transportation point in Rome, which allowed us to hop on the bus just steps from our apartment and easily walk to the subway. I visited the apartments of other students as well, and their accommodations were equally strong. API's housing arrangements are unmatched, and

* Food:

Plainly put, Italy has the greatest food in the world. There are literally thousands of fantastic restaurants in Rome, and hundreds in Florence, Venice, and Tuscany. Be prepared to indulge yourself with the greatest culinary masterpieces of Italy each and every day. Finding food is never a challenge. Visit the neighborhood of Trastevere for humble local establishments and stop by Hard Rock Cafe near Piazza Barberini for a taste of home.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Rome is filled with thousands of irreplaceable treasures, and you would be hard-pressed to find another country that rivals the art and architecture of Italy. Rome, Florence, and Venice will leave you in constant wonder and amazement at the sheer beauty and mastery of the work of history's greatest artists. Vatican City will never grow old, and everything from Italy will leave an impression that will last a lifetime.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Rome is a very safe city. Stories of pick-pockets and thieves will make you nervous at first, but those fears will be calmed as quickly as they came. I can't stress enough: you will feel safe in Rome and in Florence. Don't be reckless, but you will surely not need to fear walking through the city.

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)

Language

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

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? My strongest words of wisdom: go. Just go! Studying abroad *will* change your life as well. I can hardly contain my enthusiasm for studying abroad in Rome with API. I still think about it every day, and I cannot stress enough how amazing API was throughout the entire process. I highly recommend studying in Rome at John Cabot University. Take weekend trips to Venice, Florence (included in API program), Verona, Siena, Amalfi Coast, and more. It's an experience that will change your life and leave a lasting impression. The bond between you and your fellow students will last forever, and you will be a better person for having gone to Italy with API.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Organizational Behavior

Course Department: MGT301
Instructor: Robert Christofferson
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Great course, great professor. Very experienced in the subject beyond standard academic theory. Had decades of experience as a consultant for GE, DeBeers, and others. He is highly-involved, engaging, and thought-provoking. I wholeheartedly recommend this class with Professor Christofferson.
Credit Transfer Issues: No credit transfer issues. Full credit granted at home institution.