Incredible experience in Rome, Italy Past Review
By Kerie K (Journalism, Public Relations, University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa) for
John Cabot University - Study Abroad in Rome, Italy
I gained an appreciation for the Italian culture that you can only get by immersing yourself within it.
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. |
I took an on-site art history class. I had an incredible professor, who was very knowledgeable about the subject. It was because of her that the class was such a great experience. I had two other roommates who took similar on-site art history classes. One of them had a similar experience as I did, and the other not so much. It all depends on the instructor for these types of courses, and like I said... mine was amazing! Overall, I rate John Cabot very highly. They did a good job giving us a short/detailed orientation to the school and city. They also had lots of activities students could partcipate in like wine tastings and weekend excursions. Very pleased with my overall experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Hold various round-table events for students interested in going abroad. The advisors are very helpful, but it also takes a lot of initiative on the students part. Studying abroad anywhere requires a lot of official documents and it's important to follow up with everyone. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment in a residential area, about 20 minutes from John Cabot and Trastevere. Being in a residential neighborhood forced me to pick up language in order to shop at the local market, etc. |
| * Food: |
everything's so fresh |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I traveled all over Italy: Venice, Florence, Capri, Sorrento, Pompeii, Cique Terre, Tuscany... ALL memorable. My advice is to see it all. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Rome is a big city just like any other. Student should use their judgement. Personally, I never felt especially unsafe. |
| 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
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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?
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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? | Rome is not for the faint of heart. It's big, and there's so much to explore beyond the tourist attractions. There were many times I felt pushed outside my comfort zone (in terms of the culture, transportation, etc.) but I absolutely loved it. If you're adventurous, study in Rome--there's so much to explore. If you're someone who likes to stay within their comfort zone, then I would recommend Florence, Italy. It's much more manageable and where a lot of American students go to study. As for me, my heart will always be in Rome! I also recommend Academic Programs International. I had an incredible experience studying abroad through their programs, and I have many friends who feel the same way. |
