Amazing Experience in the Heart of Italy, Would Go Back in a Heartbeat Past Review
By Jessica M (English and Education, Boston College) for
John Cabot University - Study Abroad in Rome, Italy
This was an amazing experience that helped me gain cultural awareness and independence. I have more of an appreciation for my home country and for people with diverse perspectives as a result of my time abroad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload of this program is very manageable, and lends itself to being able to travel and experience Italian culture. While there is not an immense work load, I found my Theology classes in particular to be excellent, and have retained most of what I learned from them. The professors were very helpful and knowledgeable for the most part. John Cabot University is not the most organized university, but once you sort out the paperwork and get your housing/classes in line, it is an excellent place to study abroad. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The strengths were the country and school setting itself, the professors, and the experiences planned by the school. Some weaknesses include the lack of organization of the university at times. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Once I switched out of Testaccio to a residence north of the Vatican, I had a much better experience with my housing. It was in a gated hotel-like building, and I felt very safe. The apartment was cleaned every day, and I did not need to bring any cookware with me. |
| * Food: |
I did not use any meal plan or on-campus dining. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
JCU planned several excursions, including a tour of Tuscany. This was my first trip out of Rome, and it was wonderful to visit several Tuscan villages. At the end of the trip, we enjoyed a multi-course Italian meal at a restaurant true to Tuscan life. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe, though it was life living in a city. You are responsible for making smart decisions and keeping yourself safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Practice as much as possible - try not to use English when you are "out and about!" |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Visit Italy, and be sure to take advantage of every day! |
