Rome: Old buildings, Delicious food Past Review
By Angela D (Architecture and Design, University of Massachusetts Amherst) for
Pantheon Institute: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I greatly enjoyed my study abroad experience. Like everything, it is what you make of it. So, dispite any problems with the administration, the educational system, etc. it was all part of the experience and I was just happy to be living in Rome! I definitely learned how to be more independent, and I learned more about myself by living so far away from my family and usual friends.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload and grading system was very different. The workload was extremely reduced. This is good because we are abroad to experience more than homework, but I felt like I could have learned more in some of my classes. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I disliked the program director, Romolo Martemucci. He seemed to ignore the concerns of students. Some of the field trips lead by him were unorganized and disappointing. After returning from Venice, a group of students had bed bug bites from the hotel he booked. We addressed the issue with him and received no apology or concern. However, the secretaries, Linda and Simona, were outstanding. They did so much to help us. They were always friendly and willing to help. They organized great extra-circular activities and showed an interest in teaching us the culture. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved our apartment and the neighborhood. It was safe, fun, and a refreshing change from the high-tourist areas of Rome. Proximity to classes, nightlife, and food markets was great. |
| * Food: |
Food was one of the best things about Rome. I spent a lot of money on food, but if you are really on a budget you can make it work. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had a lot of great activities organized for us: soccer games, wine tasting, cooking lesson...I just wish there wasn't a fee for every activity. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
|
| 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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My program was mostly focused on architecture, and language was not a priority. The Italian professors were great, but I wish language and culture had a bigger educational presence at the Pantheon Institute. I practiced the language in my Italian II class, and a little bit with my roommate. In Rome, I found that most people spoke English, however I tried to use my Italian in everyday interactions in stores and cafes... However, I came to Rome with an introduction to Italian language, and if I hadn't I would have struggled a lot more. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I enjoyed this program because I am an architecture major, however I do not suggest this program for non-architectural studies majors |
