Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Surreal Past Review

By (Sociology., Providence College) - abroad from 01/08/2013 to 04/27/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was extremely worthwhile. I did not think I would ever get the chance to study abroad. I still cannot believe that I actually lived in Rome for 4 months and got to visit 8 countries and 8 different places in Italy. This whole experience was just so awesome. I definitely gained a better sense of direction and a more confident self. This experience has forced me to really branch out and become more independent--trying to figure out new places on my own and learning to cope with changes in my life.

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

* 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?

I had a sinus infection while I was abroad. My program gave my a phone number to call and directions to the doctor's office. I made an appointment but I ended up getting very lost, but I guess it was part of the experience. I had wished that there was a doctor closer to the school just to make it more convenient to make an appointment in between classes. There was a healthcare insurance system set up for us before we left for Rome, which allows you to get reimbursed for you appointment and antibiotics that you purchase once you return to the US. I did not have any problems with the appointment or getting my antibiotics, so I think this program did a nice job setting all of that up for us.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in the neighborhood I was living in. It was a very nice area and was always busy. The only times I felt unsafe were downtown at night and on the metro/bus. This is because of the extremely high cases of stealing (pick-pocketing). You just really need to be aware of your belongings at all times and be very alert. Many of my friends had phones stolen and money taken from their bags and pockets. There were also many "close calls" which happened to me as well. I was never comfortable on the metro/bus, but I guess it did make me more aware of my surroundings.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Only go out to eat on the weekends. Just buy from the grocery store for meals during the 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

I wish I learned more Italian!! I felt like our Italian classes had no structure and were not very helpful. I learned some of the basics, which I tried to use whenever I could.

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? I had never taken Italian before. I did take Spanish for 6 years (7th grade-12th grade)
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? Really try to challenge yourself by using the language whenever you are out to eat, or at the grocery store, or in the pharmacy. Even if you are saying "hello" or "how are you?". It will get you more comfortable with using the basics.

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

  • 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?
  • I liked the trips/events that were planned (like the trip to Venice and ballet)
  • I liked the location of the school and my apartment
  • I liked the classes that took place outside of the classroom, where we got to explore Rome
* What could be improved?
  • The advising
  • The fairness of apartment sizes/conditions for all students
  • More students from other schools (even though I loved studying with a lot of PC students)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that some of the people who run the program in Rome barely speak English. It made it extremely hard to get questions answered, but it also forced me to figure out things on my own.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.