Rome will be your Home! Best experience of my life! Past Review

By (John Cabot University) - abroad from 01/08/2018 to 05/12/2022 with

John Cabot University - Study Abroad in Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a million of things. First of all, I learned a lot about my self, because this was my frist time leaving my home and my mom to live on my own, and let me tell you something... you'll love it. Of course sometimes you'll get homesickness but is ok and it's natural. Other than those moments you will really learn a lot of you, because the thing about study abroad or leaving your hometown is that you will learn how to rely solely on you, for everything, and nobody else. An other thing that I gained is the experience of living and exploring a different setting than the one you're used to. Every time I go around Rome I fall in love with it every time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

JCU is the best university I could choose. They provide you with everything you need. Regarding academic rigor and intensity of classes I would say that as long as you keep up with readings and assignments It will not be as hard as you think, just keep in mind that it's college so of course the material, courses etc will be harder then high school but don't worry about it too much until you start.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was satisfied with housing arrangements. JCU provides you with the choice of single apartment or shared ones. I stayed in JCU housing for a semester and I choose a shared apartment. We were 5 people in the apartment and it may sound like a lot of people but it wasn't, the space was good and the apartment was fully equipped. My biggest fear was to have roommates problems but thankfully I did not have any, in fact two of my roommates became my best friends now.

* Food:

As you may already heard, read or tasted. Italian food is the best!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Italian culture and people are open-minded so you'll feel integrated without any problems. Rome will be your second home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health Care In Italy is free. As a study abroad if you do not have a EU passport or ID you may have to pay a little amount but don't worry it will be a small fee for sure.

* Safety:

Rome is a big city therefore you have to be careful and take precautions for your own safety, however it's a safe environment to live in as long as you know the risks that come with living in a big city you will be fine.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would choose JCU over and over again. This has been the best experience and choice of my life. I love my life here, the activities and clubs that i'm involved in, my courses, basically everything. JCU is exactly what I pictured when I enrolled and it's exactly where I wanted to study.

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)

If you are a person that is careful with money, it's really easy to budget in Rome. For grocery shopping you can shop at cheap supermarkets that are close to JCU such as Todis, Pannella and Conad. For nights out, especially during Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays it's cheap to go out, and there are a lot of places where to hang out in Trastevere where you pay just in you consume so you don't have to pay entrance fees.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200 euros/month for food and other expenses
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? For grocery shopping you can shop at cheap supermarkets that are close to JCU such as Todis, Pannella and Conad. For nights out, especially during Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays it's cheap to go out, and there are a lot of places where to hang out in Trastevere where you pay just in you consume so you don't have to pay entrance fees.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

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

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Clubs and activities
  • Extremely eduacted and knowledgeable professors
  • Small size classes
* What could be improved?
  • line for food during lunch time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I didn't know that there are no classes on Friday but I was super happy to find out about it once i was here.

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!