Rome: exactly what you'd expect yet entirely surprising. Past Review

By (Communications, College of Charleston) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I never thought that I would be flying to other countries for the weekend or navigating the public transportation of a big city but it is amazing what you find yourself doing! This trip has inspired future travel and I know my time abroad will not be ending this December.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes here were challenging but our teachers balanced work in a way which worked with the premise of being abroad. They knew we would be traveling so they gave assignments far in advance which was helpful. The grading system was pretty much the same as at home and the teachers I had were all very knowledgeable and helpful. I had one class that met at a new location in Rome every week which was a great way to see the city and explore different places.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff here is amazing. They are beyond friendly, supportive, funny, and helpful. They can help you with any and all problems or questions you might encounter while studying abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our apartment was great- recently renovated and all new furniture and appliances. Our neighborhood was great as well, not too far from the city center, but it was in a residential area close to other Italian universities so we enjoyed being away from the tourists and having a more cultural experience. We were a 15 minute walk to class and a bus ride away from the city center. Our apartment was completely outfitted and we didn't need to buy much aside from personal preference items when we moved in.

* Food:

I started the semester by going to eat at a lot of restaurants but once the semester got going and I began to have less money I started to cook for myself much more often. The grocery store near us is quite small and limited but we made do.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The included trip to Campania was great, one of the highlights of my semester. Capri was one of the most beautiful places in the world and it was a great way to get to know other students in my program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

We didn't have any safety or health issues aside from a few colds every now and again but the English speaking pharmacists were helpful. My home institution recommended a few vaccines but no one that I know received any.

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

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

We practiced Italian mostly in class but used some key phrases outside the classroom. In our area which is primarily outside of the city center, not many people we interacted with spoke English which was challenging.

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 did you like most about the program?
  • The on site classes
  • The staff
  • The planned activities
* What could be improved?
  • The facilities: many times the computers, printers, and internet were not working
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? We learned a lot about Rome and struggled with a lot as well. From what we concluded it's not a city where many people choose to live for an extended period of time if you're not used to it. The public transportation is a struggle and overly frustrating, the food selections are very limited (I hope you like pasta and pizza!) and the people more often than not stare at you for being American. Despite our daily frustrations and struggles we had to overcome, Rome is a city which lives up to its reputation. It is beautiful and makes you fall in love with it. I had so many on site experiences in class and knowledgeable teachers which made it that much better. It is an amazing city one that involves patience, the desire to explore, and an appreciation for what is beautiful.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Beginning Italian

Course Department: 103-B
Instructor: Mario Cacciafeste
Instruction Language: English/Italian
Comments: The class was challenging but very useful. We learned a lot of practical things while having a great time.
Credit Transfer Issues: Many study abroad programs require a language, which is very understandable but just makes sure that you haven't already completed your language requirement, if any, at your home institution. I took 2 semesters of Spanish and not my Italian is just an extra elective.