Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living in Italy Past Review

By (Anthropology, Hamline University) for

ISA Study Abroad in Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile! I gained a lot of confidence. Knowing that you can go somewhere new and do so many things for yourself is very rewarding.

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.

The American University of Rome was more lecture and test focused than I was used to--my university in the US is a lot more discussion and writing oriented. Overall though, I think the workload was about the same. The grading was also a bit more strict, but not harshly so.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of the on site staff were very very helpful. They were locals, and so very knowledgeable about the city and eager to answer any questions or help with anything. I have no complaints!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Roman restaurants always have vegetarian options! And of course Italian food is amazing! Although pasta, pizza, and panini did occasionally get a little boring. Luckily, Rome is home to many different cultures and you can always find a kebab or some sushi! Dar Poeta in the Trastevere neighborhood has the best pizza you will ever eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

ISA included a trip to the Amalfi Coast which was amazing. Sorrento and Capri are so amazingly beautiful, and Pompeii was very cool to see. They had other trips, as well as frequent cultural outings in Rome itself.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Health wise, Italy is fine. Good medical system. There are a lot of thefts in Rome, and a lot of pickpockets. The program and the university were very up front with discussing safety issues though, and it was very helpful.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent roughly $200/wk on food and personal expenses (including going out). Besides that, I traveled frequently and shopped less frequently.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Travel can be really cheap in Europe. Train and plane tickets are pretty inexpensive, but if you have any travel complications it can be very expensive, as taxis can be pricey.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Beginning Italian I
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I took an Italian course and had a bit of experience. I practiced language with my American friends and with Italians, but they were often eager to practice their English! Quite a few people in Rome do speak English, but I had to use Italian everyday.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city itself
  • My Roman Imperial Art and Architecture class
  • The on-site support
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
  • Nothing
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The Italians have a different way of doing things. They enjoy being relaxed and to really enjoy everything they are doing. Don't fight it.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Roman Imperial Art and Architecture
Course Department: Art History
Instructor: Gadeysne
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Excellent course! We would meet at a different place in the city each week and learn as we walked and the professor lectured. Very challenging, but also one of the most rewarding courses I have ever taken.
Credit Transfer Issues: I didn't have any trouble.