Ciao bella! The beauty and frustration of studying abroad in Roma Past Review
By Lillian M (ARCHITECTURE AND RELATED SERVICES., University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for
University of Arkansas: Rome - UA Rome Center
I became much more independent and I grew closer to my family while I was away. My experience has made me interested in the historic architecture overseas more so than I had ever been. I look forward to traveling again in my lifetime to learn and see more.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was not rigorous but it was extremely educational and I learned a great deal. The only problem that I have had with the transition fro school in Italy to back in the states is that I am struggling with finding the time and motivation to complete the huge workload at home in comparison to what I was used to last semester. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was absolutely perfect and the only thing that I would suggest to strengthen it would be immersion into the local culture more so that one would be able to meet locals their own age. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Internet problems were frequent and we did have some problems with water but it was manageable. |
| * Food: |
Both the quality and quantity of food were phenomenal. Giolitti by the Pantheon is the best gelato in the country and you can always find a good pasta dish at any corner. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Florence was mind blowing. I would not tell anyone to go to Italy and pass up the opportunity to head to Florence. However, you can make adventures for yourself in the city that you are in and that is even more important (establishing a connection with the place you live). |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Viviana is the best. Ever. I cannot say enough good things about the staff and their willingness to accommodate and make everyone feel at home. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50 to 75 euros. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Everything is expensive. Be prepared to spend a lot even if you are conservative. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | DO EVERYTHING. You will regret it if you don't. Try not to let money dictate everything that you do. |
