Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Satisfying experience in Rome! Past Review

By (Villanova University) - abroad from 01/23/2018 to 05/12/2018 with

Arcadia: Rome - Arcadia in Rome

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of social skills and courage to try new things.

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.

In terms of difficulty, classes were average. Definitely easier than classes at home, but some effort was required.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Tina, Chiara, and others are great!!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our apartments were great for the most part! Had a cleaning lady too.

* Food:

Italian food is really good, but I got a little tired of eating the same thing all the time.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Lived in a neighborhood with only locals. Spoke Italian most of the time with people outside my program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe or threatened.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This program did not change my life, but there are really good people running it, and it is fun!

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)

You could easily live on budget, especially in the non-tourist neighborhood we lived in. Costs are lower.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I cooked most of the time, so I probably spent around $100/week.

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? AP Spanish
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? Use it all the time! Put yourself out there!

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
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?
  • community activities (gardening; tutoring)
  • program activities (move nights, dinners)
  • class excursions
* What could be improved?
  • more interaction with young locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about Italian/Roman social norms

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!