Great semester in the one of most historical cities in the world Past Review

By (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 01/06/2014 to 05/03/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more independent and basically taught myself how to live on my own. I also gained friends that I will probably keep in touch with for years to come. I definitely think it was worthwhile

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.

I didn't know much about John Cabot University prior to studying abroad other than the fact that a lot of Americans studied abroad through JCU. I didn't know much about the rigor and intensity of the courses but found SOME of the courses way more difficult than my classes at IU which I was not prepared for. Compared to other study abroad programs that I had heard of, John Cabot some classes were very tough and others were extremely easy. My suggestion would be to research your classes as much as you can prior to going abroad!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

SAI was great!! They were extremely helpful with all of our issues and concerns. They also have a lot of events and trips included in the program so make sure you take advantage of those. It's a really great way to meet other people on the program!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our housing arrangement was actually terrible but we were able to make it work. We were in a not-so-great location in an extremely small apartment but that's how most of the apartments are in Rome. SAI was extremely helpful with fixing appliances and providing us with things to make our living situation more comfortable. Most of the SAI apartments were really nice but it just depends what you get; it's all done randomly.

* Food:

The food in Italy is amazing, there's no question about that!! John Cabot also has a small cafe where you can get lunches, coffee, and snacks with your meal points that are included in the SAI program. The John Cabot cafeteria is a good way to avoid spending money on food. If you're into making food, the supermarkets and grocery stores aren't super expensive either.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were the only Americans living in an all-Italian apartment building so I definitely feel like we integrated with the culture completely. You learn to live like an Italian, go to grocery store after classes, and follow the slow-paced Italian way of life. It was really great to get fully immersed in Italian culture but it was nice to come back to America since it is such a different way of living.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

For the most part, I felt safe; like I said, our apartment was in a not-so-great neighborhood of Trastevere so coming home late at night alone was not really an option. I felt much safer taking a cab or walking with friends but during the day, I felt very safe. Overall, Rome is very safe but you just have to be smart.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? No

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Our advisors
  • Program included excursions
  • Location of university
* What could be improved?
  • Housing requirements
  • Classes
  • Program pre-prep
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I just wish that I had researched my location and program more before deciding quickly on a program. I definitely didn't put enough time into researching the location or program details prior to settling.