Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best few months of my life Past Review

By (Arcadia University) - abroad from 01/23/2017 to 05/11/2017 with

Arcadia: Rome - Rome Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained cultural, language, work, and personal skills while abroad and it was definitely worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration and staff were exceptional!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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

The Arcadia staff were so sweet and helpful and my classes really interested me. My internship has also changed my life and the semester abroad was one of the best times of my life.

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)

It can be challenging because of recharging phones, paying for monthly transportation plus all meals and personal expenses/ basic items.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not go crazy as soon as you arrive and buy everything that looks good. You have the entirety of the program to experience new things. Also try and make at least one meal a day at home.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian 202
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? Make friends with the locals or begin by simply ordering one thing at a cafe or restaurant and it will go on from 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The staff
  • The excursions
  • The beauty of the city/ language
* What could be improved?
  • I wish my apartment had an oven
  • the level of difficulty of the classes were very high
  • the timing of finals is stressful
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that although it may be cold in some apartments (mine was very hot), I should also pack clothes for warm weather. I packed more winter clothing and then ended up not having a lot of clothes for the end of the semester.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Ancient Roman History: From Rome to Baghdad
Course Department:
Instructor: Jan Gadeyne
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was too challenging for everyone and was not clear in what was desired of the students. There was no guidance.
Credit Transfer Issues: