Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

There's No Place Like Rome! Past Review

By (Marketing., Providence College) - abroad from 08/26/2014 to 12/06/2014 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was more than worthwhile. I gained new friends, new memories, new experiences and learned and experienced things I could never imagine. The city of Rome has stolen my heart and the staff at CEA and people I met will forever be a huge part of some of the best months of my life. Everyone who has the chance to live abroad should do it. I recommend Rome but even if it's not there, live in a different country (as long as you visit!)

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.

I thought my classes were interesting and taught well. They were challenging yet I was also able to have tons of free time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CEA Rome is awesome. Staff is the best!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was big, clean, new and the location was incredible. 6 min walk to the Vatican!

* Food:

You can't get a bad meal in Italy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were times I did and times I didn't.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't but friends did and the staff at CEA Rome were there for both of my friends to help/support/give advice. Truly felt safe knowing they would be there if we needed them.

* Safety:

Rome can be dangerous especially when it comes to pick-pocketing and the like but I never felt like my life was threatened and knew to just be cautious and 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)

I spent a decent amount of money but that was because of personal choices to travel and eat out a lot. Cooking in your apartment is a lot of fun too!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $400-$500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try and cook in if you can and remember you don't HAVE to travel every weekend. Travel was where my money mainly went to. But I also splurged on meals out and gelato. To me, it was worth it!

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

My Italian teacher, Mario, was incredible and made you want to use the language when you were out in the city.

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? None in Italian and Intermediate in 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? When you are out in a restaurant or ordering gelato or need to ask for directions, try to use it! Its okay if it isn't perfect or even right. That's the way to practice!

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?
  • The People
  • The City
  • The Apartment
* What could be improved?
  • More interaction with local students/people
  • More interaction with other members of program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Everything is going to work out. Even when things seems daunting in the beginning.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.