Life changing!--seriously. Past Review

By Nicole E (Saint Mary's College of California) - abroad from 01/12/2012 to 05/04/2012 with

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

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

I learned a lot about myself and my own culture. I learned how I adapt to situations. I noticed myself adding parts of the Italian culture to my lifestyle, while still practicing my own culture. I matured a lot because I was dependent on myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Provided me with everything I needed and they were always there when you needed them. Great excursions included in the program cost!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	My apartment was great as well as my roommates. The apartment had flaws--lack of hot water, faulty internet, fuse blew often, and shower leaked...but that is what I expected of living in such an old building. The place was spacious and had charm.
* Food:	Goes without saying that food in Italy is to die for. I did not use the meal program though at JCU so I am unaware of how good campus food was.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I tried really hard to do this, but I was taking Italian 101 at the time and my language skill--or lack there of--caused a barrier.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	My program gave me directions and were helpful in organizing appointments. The doctor was very friendly and helpful. It was different than at home--less formal--but I was comfortable and received the treatment I needed.
* Safety:	I only felt uncomfortable a few different times late at night.
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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Changed on a weekly basis, though on average probably 1200-120$ a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Make a budget!

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?	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?	None in the Italian language
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?	Force yourself to use thew language in shops and restaurants. Read menus and street signs and if you don't know a word, write it down and look it up later.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans International 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?	Location Excursions Staff support
* What could be improved?	Classes a JCU More Excursions ;) Probably the food at JCU
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Pack light, make a budget, set out personal goals

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 Outright Urbanite A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Popular Music and Mass Culture
Course Department:	Communication and Media Studies
Instructor:	Peter Sarram
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This class was one of the best I have taken. The content and subject of the class was great and really well prepared. We used books, videos, records, mp3s....so many different resources to aid our learning. I participated a lot in this class because I am used to participating at my home university. The class would have been better if everyone participated on the same level as I did. We were assessed through papers.
Credit Transfer Issues: