The BEST decision I ever made!!! Past Review
By Tayler G (History, Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 05/29/2015 to 07/25/2015 with
AIFS: Rome - Richmond in Rome and Internship Program
I learned about different cultures and how easily it is to travel around Europe. It was the best experience of my life! I plan on going back to live there after I graduate.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I absolutely LOVED the courses offered and the professors that taught! It was an amazing experience being in a different schooling style. Being able to learn about historical events, art, and architecture and being able to see it with my own eyes was the coolest experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone at the Richmond in Rome site is WONDERFUL! I felt like each and every one of them became like family to me. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a family, and it was the best decision I have ever made! I was able to get a real essence of Italian everyday life. They were the most wonderful family, and I continue to talk to them to this day! |
| * Food: |
There is ALWAYS good food around. When you start to feel a little homesick, there is even a restaurant that serves American cuisine. Not to mention all of the gelato available everywhere you look! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Learning as much Italian as possible makes things much smoother. Everything works a little better with less of a communication barrier. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I ALWAYS felt safe. Contrary to popular belief, Italy is much safer than the States. As for minor crimes like pick-pocketing, all you have to do is be aware of your surroundings and nothing should happen. |
| 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? | $80 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep a log of what you are spending at all times. Be aware of the conversion rates from USD to Euro as it changes constantly. Always keep a little cash on hand because not everywhere takes credit cards. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
They encouraged us to learn a little Italian to help function better when out and about, but it wasn't necessary for learning. |
| 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? | I hadn't taken any Italian |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | The Babbel app is an excellent tool for learning Italian. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
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? | I wish I would have brought comfier shoes, a water bottle, and more pants or longer shorts to prevent chaffing from all of the walking. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
