Rome, where you learn to live, love, laugh and learn Past Review

By A student (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/01/2016 to 06/30/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Rome

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned a lot about the culture, the independent life and about myself. Which I think as a student they are phases that are very important and shape one's transit to adulthood. I gained a larger scope of art history knowledge and yes it was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Although the Program Administration was in Florence and I was in Rome, I felt sufficiently supported and advised. They made a weekly checking to see how I was doing and enjoyed having responsibility in another location.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	A semester I might have struggled a little more. As I stayed there for the year, it helped me work better on the connections I made the first semester, and therefore reinforcing the friendships. Although clearly not a local, I was always treated with respect.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I am used to the city, so Rome was not a big shock but would advise the program to make an emphasis on women safety. The "going out" culture may appear different and I think it is really important for foreigners to understand the dangers,.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes I enjoyed Rome because it was a large city and therefore did not encounter other american students. I thinking being alone was very beneficial. Additionally, I learned how to deal living in a city by myself therefore became more street smart and attentive.

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?	90 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Learn how to cook, and eat outside the city center.

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?	Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	Italian level 0252
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?	Talk to students at the university. Read the Italian newspaper. Take notes in Italian when in class.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Other
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students
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 indipendance The city and culture The constant enthusiasm and things to do
* What could be improved?	Pre-indication and awareness about the classes at the local university, the structure., The deal with transferring credit, informing students before departure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	To take all classes at the local university, it helps making friends and living a student local life. To visit Italy (and not all of Europe necessarily) and that the end of the semester comes faster than one thinks. Take advantage of the slowish beginning.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Storia dell'arte contemporanea II
Course Department:	Facolta di Lettere e Filosofia
Instructor:	Carla Subrizi
Instruction Language:	Italian
Comments:	The teacher knew the material and the subject itself was fascinating. However, the topic was broad and would recommend taking something else for one who would rather go into depth. I enjoyed it because I learned about two centuries of art history, which is very helpful. The exam was heavy and would advice to read the book along the semester, in parallel to the classes.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I do not know yet...