Not A Roman Holiday September 02, 2023

By (Classics, Washington University in St. Louis) - abroad from 01/23/2023 to 05/15/2023 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Some basic knowledge about Roman architecture and archaeology. Not that worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses are valuable, but scoring is very strict; it is quite overwhelming to take 2 other courses in addition to the Ancient City course because it takes so much time; many classes are oversized due to the limited number of classes available; some professors just got their PhD so not that experienced in teaching.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrator and his wife are very friendly and helpful. The administration team is not large but efficient.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living arrangements are kinda disappointing compared to the housing condition in the States. Rooms at Centro are very small, and u don’t have a private restroom. The equipment in the little gym on the top floor of Centro is outdated. The building is outdated overall.

* Food:

Food at dinner is generally great, but there is a lack of variance. Sometimes lunch is too simple, and u have to eat cold sandwiches that are not tasteful when u visit heritages for the Ancient City course. They give u dinner stipend for Friday night, but it is not always enough if u wanna go to a more decent restaurant.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Basically zero touch with the local culture and people because students spend most of their time taking classes and doing their homework.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn’t really need healthcare assistance, but there is an international hospital not far from Centro, so I guess it is fine.

* Safety:

Rome is pretty safe as long as u’re not out alone. I know other students took buses back to Centro after midnight.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

It is too intense, and number of courses are not enough. I felt tired when I was exposed to Roman civilization like 12 hours a day.

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)

Had to pay for the food on weekend, but u probably can save some money by cooking in the kitchen at Centro.

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?
  • Food
  • Site visits
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Courseload
  • Exposure to modern Italian culture
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The physical and mental intensity of the program

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Plautus’ Curculio

Course Department: Latin
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: