Rome: Unfortunately, a Bit of a Letdown Past Review
By Amita M (Classical and Ancient Studies., Wellesley College) for
ICCS / Centro: Rome - The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome
I certainly learned a lot about Classics and the world of Classical academia, and if the experience taught me anything, it's that I'm not sure I want to pursue the field any further.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My professors were American, and so the educational system was one I was used to. However, the work load was so oppressive I always felt unprepared. They weren't terribly understanding, and emphasized that this program was unlike all other study abroad programs in its rigor. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was incredibly helpful. If I ever needed anything, they were more than happy to help me. When I was sick, they took me to the doctor and got my medicine for me. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The food was unbelievably good. And although I wasn't a vegetarian nor did I have any dietary restrictions, I observed that the staff was meticulous about always providing alternate options for those who did, at home base and on field trips. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had a sommelier visit us in the first few weeks of the program. And we visited a pasta factory while traveling, which was pretty amazing. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The one time I was sick, one of the administrators took me to a local doctor and pharmacy, and I was pretty comfortable with the entire experience. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 2000. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I was pretty well informed before I left. Nothing very surprising. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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