Italy was hands down the best experience of my life thus far Past Review
By Cara B (English Literature, Arizona State University) for
AIFS: Rome - Richmond in Rome and Internship Program
I came back with Italy with an entirely renewed perspective. It was hard transitioning back to real life at first but ultimately the experience was well worth it. I have re-evaluated my goals and what I want out of life and I feel that the Italians' general easygoing and carefree attitude has had a positive effect on me. I became more in touch with my inner self and realized what I want and do not want out of life.
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. |
Over the course of the semester the work load was a little lighter than what I was used to, but it evened out with the research papers and presentations at the end. My only critique would be that the due dates for the papers should have been spread out over the semester instead of crammed into the last week. The grading was fair and I liked that there was no class on Friday because it made it easier to travel. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The faculty was awesome. Rosanna, Chicca and Marco were very helpful and everybody in general was nice and enthusiastic. My expectations were definitely exceeded and it made the experience that much better. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved the location of my apartment - it was in the Monti area on Boschetto. It was about a 15 minute walk to school but I enjoyed the walk. There was a bus really close so I always had that option. It was always a bit far from nightlight (we mostly went out in Trastevere and Testaccio) and I usually took a cab home, but it wasn't that bad. |
| * Food: |
The food was absolutely amazing. I can't think of one bad meal I had. Best pasta I've eaten in my life. Suggestions - Al 59, Mozzerella Bar, La Foccaccia. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The day/weekend trips with the program were always a lot of fun. We went to Pompeii, Capri, Naples, Pisa - to name a few. I remember wine tasting in Tuscany was especially fun, but they all exceeded my expectations. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Rome was pretty safe. You definitely have to be careful, especially as a girl, because the local Italians know you are a tourist and will take advantage of you if you're not paying attention. I know a bunch of people who got their cameras, wallets and phones stolen - that happened mostly in clubs. Some advice I would give is to never walk alone at night and to always be aware of your bag and your surroundings. I never felt overwhelmingly uncomfortable or in danger. |
| 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? |
I practiced Italian in class, with friends and with local Italians. I did use Italian in everyday language, and people spoke English but not very well. I preferred to practice the Italian. |
| 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? | I would recommend studying abroad with AIFS 100%. An ideal study abroad student should be open-minded, eager to meet new people and learn new things, and excited about experiencing a new culture/language. A good attitue is a must. You should should try to go out of your comfort zone whenever possible, and not be afraid to try new things. I would also recommend going alone because I think you get the most of the experience that way. |
