Rome, Italy will always have a big place in my heart Past Review
By Nathan C (Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations., Suffolk University) for
SAI Study Abroad: Rome - John Cabot University (JCU)
I have gained more then I ever expected. I have such an appreciation for other cultures and traveling. I will be going back to Italy to teach English this summer, which is something I cannot say I would have done prior to going abroad! Best four months of my life!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall I felt the program was a lot like my home University. The classes were challenging, engaging, and I gained a lot from the semester. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were amazing to put things simply. The staff knew answers to every question I had. They were very organized from the start when we were picked up from the airport to getting to our apartments. Our weekend trip to the thermal baths in Tuscany was so well planned I will never forget it. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I did not have any restrictions, however, the cafeteria was very clear about what was in their food. I had some vegetarian friends and they had no problem finding anything they needed in the local grocery stores. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Played on the University's soccer team and a trip to Tuscany, Siena, Pitigliano, and Sorano. We had cooking classes available free of charge as well and enjoyed the delicious meal afterwards! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt nervous in Rome, however, I always traveled with other people at night. I did not have any health issues or the need for vaccines, but a friend of mine had an issue. One of SAI's program directors drove to my friend's apartment, drove her the hospital, stayed with her, and drove her home after. This was all on our program director's day off as well. My friend said the hospital was very professional as well. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke English, however, putting in the extra effort was well worth it. The Italians appreciated our attempts to speak their language, even though we were far from perfect! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You need to be open minded, willing to learn, and appreciate other cultures. Also, be willing to make new friends from different backgrounds because the student body is very diverse. |
