Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Roman Adventures Past Review

By (History And Political Science, Providence College) - abroad from 08/26/2013 to 12/14/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Where do I begin? Rome itself is an education. The city is filled with history from the Roman Empire to modern day. Every corner is marked with an ancient ruin and it couples well with the modern Italian culture. The classes at CEA Rome were solid and not overly challenging. I learned quite a bit from the classes about Italy and Rome. You will leave with the a large understanding of Rome through this program.

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?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 US dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Pasta, bread, sandwiches, pizza, fruits/vegetables. They are cheap and will fill you up, welcome to eating on a college budget while you study abroad.

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? Beginner
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? None
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? Take the classes offered seriously and speak Italian in everyday use. Italians will answer back in Italian and appreciate you trying.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Rome and its sites
  • CEA program and staff
  • Classes offered
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Computers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Italians do things their way. There is no way around it. Don't ask why, just go with it.

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!