Revelle in Rome: an unforgettable experience Past Review

By (University of California - San Diego / UCSD) - abroad from 07/01/2018 to 08/05/2017 with

UC San Diego Global Seminars: Rome - Revelle in Rome: Humanities 3

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the Renassiance and the history of Rome. I also learned how to live on my own in a country that speaks a different language. It was a very worthwhile learning experience, both personally and academically

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Learning about the Renaissance where it actually occurred and getting to visit the places and viewing the works we learned about in class was an enriching experience that is otherwise impossible in a traditional classroom setting. Prof Jed is an amazing, caring professor who centers the class on the learning experience of the students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

ISA did an excellent job of arranging the on site trips around Rome and to Florence and Tivoli. I really enjoyed the activities and meals that were planned for us. The staff at ISA were easy to approach and provided support whenever we needed it.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our housing was a bit further the stores, but otherwise was very quiet, nicely furnished, and sported a great view.

* Food:

We were in Italy, what more can I say?

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like a lot of the time we hung out with just the students in our study abroad group, but during my free time, I would go to the local cafe and talk to the owner and the people there which was a fun experience because many of them were from different places around the world.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did need to get a vaccine for the program which was a bit of a hassle. However, I didn't use the healthcare system while in Rome.

* Safety:

Rome felt very safe. There was a lot of security in place as a counter terror measure which took a bit to get used to. Even at night, I felt safe walking around because the city is awake and well lit well past sunset.

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)

Everything in Rome was very affordable, but there were plenty of options to splurge (namely at the brand name designer stores). As long as you're responsible with your money, it's affordable.

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

Most people spoke English so I didn't feel the need to learn as much. The short language course didn't teach me enough to get around with out resorting to speaking english at times.

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

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
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Day trips with study abroad group
  • Visiting Florence with study abroad group
  • Amazing professor
* What could be improved?
  • More Italian classes, perhaps before starting program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Check in person with your bank before going and figure out how you are going to pay for things well before hand (credit, debit, atm card, cash). I notified my bank before hand, but was unable to use my ATM card in Rome and needed to borrow money.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!