Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Intense, Rigorous, and Lots of Ruins Past Review

By (Classical Civilization, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/08/2014 to 12/19/2014 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 learned so much about Roman archaeology and civilization. This program gave me a wonderful foundation to learn about Classics in general.

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.

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spend your money on experiences and not things. Experiences are much more worthwhile that you can always share with other people and look back to. I'd much rather spend my money on a night out with friends than have to pay for trinkets and souvenirs (as well as more money for extra weight at the airport).

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
* 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?
  • My friends
  • On site classes
  • Dogs and cats everywhere
* What could be improved?
  • Academic support
  • More integration with culture and Italians
  • Patriarch
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's not only intense academically, but also socially. When you live very closely with the same 35 people for four months, there is always social drama whether you like it or not... I also recommend traveling as much as you can during the first six weeks. Things really pick up academically afterwards.

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!