Live off-campus, travel lots, so much fun... best time of my life. Past Review

By (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo) - abroad from 08/25/2014 to 12/19/2014 with

John Cabot University - Study Abroad in Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Study abroad is different for everyone. It forces you into difficult new situations where you can't rely on old habits. You have to think outside the box and discover who you are. But every person's experience will be different. I believe study abroad has made me a very strong person. You will be shocked how much your life can change in a few months.

Review Photos

John Cabot University - Rome: Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo John Cabot University - Rome: Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo John Cabot University - Rome: Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo John Cabot University - Rome: Direct Enrollment & Exchange 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.

John Cabot proved to be easier than my home university. I was not taking tough classes, but teacher's expectations were a bit lower. Despite this, I LOVED my teachers. Very accessible (small class sizes), well-educated (some of the brightest teachers I've had), and great resources (nice libraries, computer labs).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

John Cabot isn't the quickest in terms of paper work and having their ducks in a row, but overall the administration is excellent. Great study abroad experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Two-words: OFF CAMPUS. John Cabot makes a fairly large percentage of their revenues from students who live in the dormitories. LIVING OFF CAMPUS IS WAY MORE FUN and cooler. Finding an apartment is trickier than living at JCU, but you will love it. My apartment was waayy nicer than the dorms, I had friends stay with me who were traveling europe and from home (strictly prohibited in any JCU housing option), always had a few bottles of wine (also prohibited), and may or may not have brought home a friend a night or two (looking for an Italian hook-up? ;); also prohibited). if you need info on housing, I'm willing to help. My apartment kicked ass and was the same price even though I had my own room. email me jrlampkin@gmail.com, I know my landlords info still.

* Food:

The food at the dining hall is good and cheap! but you will get sick of it like any cafeteria. BUT YOU ARE IN THE HEART OF THE TRASTEVERE!!! This district holds many of the best restaurants, cafes, gelaterias and pastry shops in all of Italy. My apartment was directly across from an awesome bakery that is famous in Italy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The district of Rome in which JCU is located could not be better. Great bars, restaurants, real Italians (real sexy italians :), sooo much culture. Very close to city center (10 min tram ride to the center of everything). Lots of oppurtunities for trips outside of Rome through the school. Here is a big deal: Rome has 2 airports, both very accessible. This will make traveling on the weekends cheap and easy. Big +++

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had not issues myself, besides a sprained knee. For that I went straight to the Italian hospital and had it checked out free of charge. Gotta love socialized medicine.

* Safety:

JCU checks ID's of those entering each of its buildings. Rome is a very safe big city.

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)

$150 and budget wisely. $200 is fine. $300-350 to travel lots, hit the bars and clubs and live like a king/queen while abroad.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a small cafeteria meal plan... Eat at the caf for lunch everyday, awesome way to meet people. Eat out on the weekends.

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

If you know 0 Italian coming into JCU.... You are in the majority! Don't worry. Knowing any Italian will give you a leg up on the other study abroads. Many Romans know some or decent English. Knowing Italian is not a must in Rome.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Pimsleur. Torrent Pimsleur Italian 1. WAY better than rosetta stone and it is free.You will learn Italian lightning quick using this. If you don't know how to torrent, ask your little brother, your boyfriend, or the weird kid in your dorm that loves computer science.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • LOCATION
  • Great mix of Americans, Italians, Internationals
  • Italian culture rocks
* What could be improved?
  • university housing has lame rules :(
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save all your money. You will want it in Europe. Make sure to live off campus, lots of my friends didnt and hated the dorms sooo much. Complained about em every week. If you want to go somewhere for sure, book flights before the semester stars to save dough. Don't know what else. I had the time of my life at John Cabot, hope you do too.