Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

ROMAAAAAA Past Review

By (University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 05/27/2013 to 06/27/2013 with

ISA Study Abroad in Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Patience. I highly encourage anybody/everybody to study abroad.

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.

Courses were a lot harder than typical courses, due to the fact that they had to be completed in a month instead of three. Some of the professors don't care that you are in a new country and want to explore, they expect total concentration on class work, which means they are not lenient on homework. Yes, you will have homework, even on summer session.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They're alright.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was an apartment with five other girls. The apartment was average. It was far from school and the center of Rome. If you wanted to do anything in the center you would need to travel by bus or tram. Our oven never worked.

* Food:

Be prepared to eat a lot of pasta, pizza, and gelato.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Romans are much more relaxed with time than many Americans. Once you understand this, it is much easier to understand the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues while abroad.

* Safety:

Pickpocketing in the center is extremely common.Once you get out of the touristy areas you are safer. Most people are fine if they are paying attention to their surroundings. The neighborhood that most of the apartments are in are much safer.

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

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)

Rome is very expensive.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat at tourist restaurants (you will know that it is because they will call you in to eat there). Eat family style meals with your roommates, if you all pitch in, it will save everybody some money.

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

Italians will encourage you to speak 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? none
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? try to speak as much Italian as possible. Take the four credit Italian class, it is extremely beneficial.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • excursions
  • gelato
* What could be improved?
  • on-site staff
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't expect everyone to speak english. Toilet seats in Europe aren't common. Buy a map, you will need it.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

ITL 101 Elementary Italian
Course Department:
Instructor: Allamprese, Marcella
Instruction Language: english/italian
Comments: Professor is amazing.
Credit Transfer Issues: