I interacted with Italians everyday, made some local friends Past Review

By (English Literature (British and Commonwealth)., Rice University) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worth everything and I would do it again in a heartbeat. So many different friends were made, independence strengthened, learned more about Italian culture (and food!)..

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: John Cabot University
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was satisfied with the courses offered, especially those that couldn't be and aren't offered at my U.S. university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Loved the program's closeness with students and resident directors, the fact that excursions around Italy were included in the program fee, and balance of freedom and guidance they provided. The resident directors were Italian-Americans who have been living in Italy practically all their lives but have visited the U.S. often and know about both worlds.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an 8 person apartment in an apartment complex where other students attending JCU were housed. These other students were from my program, other programs, and some degree seeking students. There were also some Italians living there as well. It was in the neighborhood of Trastevere and was close enough to the university to either walk or take the tram. <br /><br /> I loved the ability to interact with other students and the independence that came with living in an apartment in a neighborhood where other Italians lived. It was close to school, public transportation, supermarkets, and the Testaccio club neighborhood.

* Food:

It was nice to cook ourselves but sometimes after a long day, we preferred to buy pizza or a sandwich from a local shop. I did, however, love the genuine Italian food we got when eating out at restaurants. As a vegetarian, sometimes I just had to be extra careful I didn't accidentally eat meat but there's always a lot of veggie and pasta dishes and of course pizza! (I recommend going to Da Baffetto for pizza near Piazza Navona)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The excursions arranged by my program were so much fun and unique that I know I wouldn't have been able to pull it all off by myself. There was a hike up Mt. Vesuvius, an island tour, a visit to Pompei, Florence, wine tasting, an evening in culinary institution etc. I was also able to travel around Europe on my own with friends on weekends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

We were given a list of doctors and pharmacies that we could go to that spoke english. We were also provided with health insurance through our program. At night, it may be unsafe for a female to be walking the streets of Rome by herself so it's always good to have a guy or two in the group when going out. Also, some students got their purses or laptops stolen because they didn't close and lock the apartment door. So in other words just use basic 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Manage going out money since that adds up quickly. A €10 drink at a club is the norm so just think about how much you spend.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
Language acquisition improvement?

I became more confident in speaking Italian even if at times I wasn't sure of the correct word. I was able to listen to the language live as opposed to just out of the textbook so learned some slang.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Please do it. There is so much to do in Rome and the excursions allow you to see parts of Italy you might've not considered yourself.