The best decision of my life. Past Review

By (Health Professions, University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/25/2016 to 12/12/2016 with

John Cabot University - Study Abroad in Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The most important things I learned from my experience abroad was how to be flexible, patient, and manage my time better. These are all crucial components to my future career as a health care provider, so it was more than worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

* 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:

During my time abroad, there was a lot of terrorist scares (and attacks in other countries) involving Isis. The school, embassy, and program advisers did a great job in making sure we remained smart and safe in our travels.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-150

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? 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? In my experience, it was always much appreciated when you went out and tried to speak in Italian. Try your best. Don't begin by speaking in English - if anything, ask in the native language if they speak English and go from there. Taking an Italian course in school was incredibly helpful and I would strongly recommend doing so.

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

* 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
  • International Students
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?
  • The program advisers were great
  • Group excursions
  • Individual traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Diversity of students
  • Integration between Italian and American students
  • Course selection
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how to create a budget prior to leaving. Figuring it out along the way was very difficult and honestly did not go particularly well.

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!