Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best study abroad program for any Classics major! Past Review

By (Anthropology and Classical Civilizations, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

ICCS / Centro: Rome - The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think the most important things I gained from studying abroad were that I got to see the places I had learned about and I now feel confident going abroad, even by myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was intense, but I enjoyed it greatly. I definitely learned a lot this semester and got to see so many interesting places!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Really nice and helpful people.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We had great staff who would do our beds and keep the Centro clean.

* Food:

The food was always different and delicious. We never felt like we did not have enough.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I mostly participated in the local culture when I ate food or while learning in class.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

In the city of Rome, you often see the police but students should still be wary of muggers.

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 definitely spent more than I would on a semester at Wellesley, considering the currency is euros and food sometimes cost a bit more than I thought it should.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 56 dollars/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy souvenirs as soon as you see them. As you walk in the city, you'll see where the cheaper places are. Also don't eat at restaurants every weekend.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The knowledgeable professors.
  • The students who had the same interests as I did.
  • Italy
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe there could be less trips during a day.
  • Modes of transportation back to our dorms could be specified better after a trip, so that we could get back in time to eat comfortably before another class.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How easy it is to spend a lot of money abroad.

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!