Forza Roma! Past Review

By (Economics, St. Edward's University) for

SAI Study Abroad: Rome - John Cabot University (JCU)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely a worthwhile experience. So much so that I stayed two semesters. I gain so much knowledge about myself and how I can adapt in a different culture. It has further influence my career goals to look more at international law and international business.

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.

Workload was high, I took a lot of junior and senior level economics courses and had to study a lot. Grading system was fair. Teaching methods were good, just like a regular American classroom - except for the great on site classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

SAI was great. I loved Amy and Lisa who helped us out with even the most minor details. I miss them! They were very organized and considerate of our time abroad. Really they just wanted us to have the best time and stay forever!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Proximity was great, my second apartment in semester 2 was not the best - I think that was mainly from my messy roommates. I did not have to buy one thing for the house though, SAI provided everything.

* Food:

I ate so much in Italy.. Favorite pizza place in Trastevere was La Renella or of course, Dar Poeta. For Pasta I loved La Scala.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

SAI took us too the Almafi coast in my first semester and it was amazing! They even let me stay back in Capri since I didn't have class on Monday. They provided all our food and transportation. Second semester SAI took us to Tuscany. It was beautiful and brought everyone in the program closer together. We had great day activities and dinners at night were great. Plus the villas we stayed in were centered around a thermal bath!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

No experience with health care. My friend did have a run in with a safety issue - a man tried to attack her. Luckily she came out of the situation safely.

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

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Great program leaders
  • Did not hover over my whole experience
  • Organized
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A student that is social, outgoing and looking to fully adapt into the European culture is one that will benefit from SAI the most.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Medival Mystic, Saint and Sinners

Course Department: Religion/Philosophy
Instructor: Conty
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very challenging course, but one of my favorites abroad and in my college experience. We would go onsite to different places around Rome. She even took us under the Vatican - the necropolis. High participation was expected and grading was tough. We were expected to know a lot of information and reading great works in history like that of St. Thomas Aquinas. Professor Conty is an amazing teacher, one that I will never forget.
Credit Transfer Issues: No transfer credit problems at all.