Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Roman adventure of a lifetime! Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 08/29/2018 to 12/14/2018 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester in Rome

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of skills with being independent. I made a number of trips alone to places I had little knowledge of and had to learn to figure out transportation and entertainment by myself. 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 site-director, Romina, was fantastic! So helpful and showed us some amazing locations to visit and eat the best local food.

* 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 visited the on-campus doctor twice. They were good, but I felt they rushed and were not as thorough as I am used to for doctors at home.

* 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? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan weekend travel well enough in advance. My biggest expenses were trips I didn't decide to book until a few days before leaving.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it's okay to take time to yourself and go see some sights alone. Some of my favorite times abroad were when I just went out into the city by myself and wandered. I'd find nice museums and little shops that I otherwise never would've visited.

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!