Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Changing my perspectives Past Review

By (PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES., Trinity University) - abroad from 01/09/2013 to 04/26/2013 with

Loyola University Chicago: Rome - John Felice Rome Center

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My time abroad has been the most memorable experience in my life. There is no question whether it was worthwhile. If I had the chance to go back, I would go back a thousand times over. I was able to experience being independent while still living in a structured environment. I also started to really appreciate how culture plays such an important role in peoples' lives..

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.

I wasn't expecting such a rigorous program when I signed up to study abroad. However, I was highly impressed by the academic standards.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration were absolutely fantastic! They were personable and wonderful leaders.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements could have been better. But because of zoning regulations in Italy, not much can be done.

* Food:

The food was fresh and delicious. I miss it a lot.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Integration was difficult but not impossible. Because we lived with the same group of 200 students, it was hard to meet people outside of the group. However, if you made the effort to leave the center, you were sure to meet friendly and helpful people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

This was my only complaint. It is not the program's fault but a direct result of the Italian healthcare system. Doctors tend to prescribe you medication without examination. They listen to your symptoms and then start prescribing medication. Honestly, it could have been a bit dangerous.

* Safety:

The city is very, very, safe even at night. Never once did I feel in danger. I had some friends who were pick pocketed, but it was because they left their common sense at home.

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)

It was kind of expensive living in Rome. That being said, lunch and dinner were provided every day of the week as a part of the tuition. You could live frugally and get by. I went out a lot so I spent a lot of money

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Write down everything you buy and review your list at the end of each week. Also, allow yourself a certain amount of money to spend each week.

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

Outside of the Italian Class, it wasn't enforced. I wish it had been.

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? French 3 in high school
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? Get out into the community and start talking to people. They are the best people to practice with.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The attention to getting to know the culture
  • The country
* What could be improved?
  • The housing
  • The integrations with the locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew what and what not to bring. I knew that once I got there that there were certain things that I had wish I had thought to bring.

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!