Would do anything to go back September 16, 2023

By (Psychology, Belmont University) - abroad from 01/11/2023 to 05/05/2023 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes!! Gained so much knowledge on the world around me

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

SAI was by far the best program I could have chosen to work with during my time abroad. From the moment I registered all the way to months after being back in the States, SAI went out of their way to meet my needs. They picked me up from the airport and took me to my apartment (which they provided), making me feel safe in a country I’d never been to. They had an orientation teaching us the do’s and don'ts of being abroad and the difference in our cultures, which was very beneficial. All semester long, they hosted events that allowed me to explore different parts of Italy and meet amazing people in my program. My favorite events were the pasta making class and wine tasting, as well as making chocolates in Perugina. Even when I got back to the states, they continued to reach out asking how I was adjusting and what they could have done better, to improve their program for the next students. SAI is dedicated to giving students an amazing experience abroad and you can truly see that by the way they care for you. Couldn't recommend SAI enough!

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
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? Spanish 2
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
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?
  • Events they held
  • Communication with staff
  • Very informative
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You don't need to pack as much as you think you do