Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was a learning experience that I will never forget Past Review

By (Arizona State University) - abroad from 01/21/2013 to 05/16/2013 with

ISA Study Abroad in Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad for a semester was an amazing experience and changed me forever. Living in another country taught me independence, as well as made me appreciate everything I have. I also learned so much about different cultures and societies. It was an eye opening experience and would do it all over again.

Review Photos

International Studies Abroad (ISA): Rome - Business, Communications, International Relations & Liberal Arts Photo

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 nice to be in a small classroom where your professors knew your name.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The ISA staff was always there to help out at any time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was far from school and we did not receive much information about the area. I felt like I was thrown into an apartment with no knowledge of where I was living or who I was living with.

* Food:

Italian food is amazing! I miss having a variety though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Interacting with Italians was very challenging. Even when I tried to practice my Italian they would respond in English. I also did not feel very welcomed.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues while abroad.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Rome.

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 was not prepared for how expensive everything was here. Also I wish their was information on where you can find cheap stores to buy basic necessities.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60/80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy plane tickets in advance and clear the cookies on your computer because airline sites will jack up prices. Buy your groceries from the open markets, it is way cheaper than the grocery stores. Don't eat out a lot in the beginning you will regret not having a lot of money towards the end.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I would have liked if the school hosted language exchanges it would have been a great way to meet students as well as practice the language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian 101
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Pay attention in you Italian classes and use what you learn every day even if it is just once or twice.

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

  • International Students
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?
  • Learning about new cultures
  • Traveling
  • Living in such an amazing country
* What could be improved?
  • Creating a community amongst study abroad students
  • Better preparing us for the cultural differences
  • Helping us get to know the area better
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have practiced my Italian more before I came here. I also wish I would not have eaten out so much the first month.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.