Living the Roman Life and How It Changed Me Past Review
By Meredith D (Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, Assumption College) for
AIFS: Rome - Richmond in Rome and Internship Program
I think studying abroad was the best decision I could have made, I met great people and got to do amazing things. I also got to understand what it means to be me in a completely new place with new surroundings. I grew immensely personally and also got to contribute to the global society unlike ever before.
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 teachers were great, there were definitely major differences in styles, but after the first few classes those were easier to understand. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was a good size, but at times it was hard to get to know everyone. There were several opportunities though to experience different parts of the culture from going to shows, cooking classes, and other kinds of tours. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My neighborhood was really safe and my landlord was really nice. However, it was a decent walk from school and the nightlife. I would have to take the bus often and taxi it home after dark to stay safe. |
| * Food: |
There was a lot of food options, but dietary restrictions would be tough unless you knew what questions to ask in Italian. You have to be flexible and try different things while keeping an open mind. I would recommend going to places outside the center for the best deals and sometimes the best food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program took us to Venice and Naples/Capri as well as held several dinners for us over the course of the semester. One of my favorities was the goodbye dinner on top of a hotel where you could see all of Rome. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
If you had a medical issue, the doctors were easy to get in contact with if it was during the week. The staff would serve as a go between for the language barrier. Overall safety really depended on you and your ability to be observant and never loose control to the point you don't know where you are or how to get out of a situation. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
It was hard to practice Italian because most everyone spoke some English and I lived with all Americans. However, the opportunity to speak was there with special events with Italian students. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be open minded in everything and everyone you meet, never take for granted the opportunity to be where you are, and always take advantage of every moment. |
