The BEST experience of my LIFE - EF Rome Past Review

By (Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge) - abroad from 06/11/2012 to 08/03/2012 with

EF - LEARN A LANGUAGE ABROAD

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have learned so much about a new culture, as well as cultures all over the world (because the students came from EVERYWHERE). I also met my boyfriend (talk about long distance) there. I met so many amazing people, and now I can speak Italian quite well. My Italian is almost as good as my English (I sometimes even correct my boyfriend's Italian grammar!). It was so incredibly worthwhile. If I could relive this summer I would do it again in a heartbeat. Rome (and Italy in general) is such a magical place. I'm sad right now just thinking about how much I miss it!

Review Photos

EF - LEARN A LANGUAGE ABROAD Photo EF - LEARN A LANGUAGE ABROAD Photo EF - LEARN A LANGUAGE ABROAD Photo EF - LEARN A LANGUAGE ABROAD Photo EF - LEARN A LANGUAGE ABROAD Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 500-600 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be frugal

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

It was a language program, so yes.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 2nd Intermediate Italian
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? You just have to talk to people in the language. If you find a summer love who doesn't speak any English (like I did), it helps too ;)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Meeting all the people people
  • Learning the language
  • The excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • Accommodation closer to school
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the dangers of being at Termini station at 4:30 in the morning. I got my iPhone 4s stolen :/

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.