Roma, Roma, Roma Past Review

By (COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES., Samford University) for

Samford University: Rome—University Fellows

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Roma is beautiful. I am going back some day. Enough said.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Summer 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program allowed us to learn by experience. We spent plenty of time listening to the professors talk about the history, but we always did so while having the history sitting right in front of us. The chance to spend so much free time, also allowed us to learn on our own through cultural interaction.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The professors knew all about the city and what to do and where to do it and when. Everything was clear and well explained.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Pretty nice hotel. The awesome thing is that it was right by Termini. <br /><br /> I was hardly ever there, but when I was, it was completely comfortable. No complaints.

* Food:

Italian food. No more comments needed.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Roma is awesome, and we were given plenty of time to explore on our own. We also had the weekend travel break, were we could travel anywhere we wanted. Very fun. Very awesome.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Roma is safe, and our professors knew what they were doing.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent less than 15 euro a day fairly easily. Breakfast was free. I spent about 3-5 euro on lunch (something light: panini or piece of pizza). Then I was able to spend more money on a nicer dinner (say 8-12 euro). I didn't spend much else on the trip. The travel break is the largest expense (if you want it to be. But that's your choice).
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just be aware of ATM fees. Bring a debit (not credit) card. Not many things popped up that required extra expense.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
Language acquisition improvement?

I learned a few Italian words, but nothing dashingly useful.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Relax. It can be easy to stress out in a foreign city, but if you just relax and go with the flow, everything is smooth. Have a blast!