Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My expectations were blown through the roof! Past Review

By (Business Administration, Colorado Christian University) - abroad from 01/21/2014 to 05/14/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be very independent. I learned how to travel. And most importantly I learned a lot about who I am as a person.

Review Photos

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

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The actual apartment was great but I wish it was a bit closer to campus and the city center. We had about a 40 minute commute every day.

* 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)

It was very difficult to keep the cost of food to a minimum. I wish I had made a bigger food budget for myself so I could enjoy all the native cuisine without stressing about money. But even with my lower budget I learned how to work with it. And by that I mean I ate a lot of pizza!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Ask for student discounts everywhere! I was usually too shy to ask but so many places that you wouldn't expect have discounts.

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

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? I had no prior experience in Italian.
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? Don't be afraid to jump right in! The locals love it when you at least try to say something in their language. If you completely butcher it, that is okay, they like helping you. And some of them love it even more when you can help them with their English. It's really fun!

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The many excursions around Italy
* What could be improved?
  • The housing could be closer to campus and the city center.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You can sleep when you get back home. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. This may be a once in a lifetime experience so don't let it go to waste!

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

MGT 201
Course Department: Business
Instructor: Sonnabend
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was challenging but also really fun and interesting. I didn't really have to try hard to pay attention because the professor was very engaging and welcomed class discussions. We were given a few pop quizzes, a homework assignment about once a week, an individual presentation, and a large group presentation, as well as a midterm and a final. I felt like everything was graded very fairly and it was not difficult to succeed in this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: