Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Trip of A Lifetime Past Review

By (Chemistry., California State University - Fresno) - abroad from 05/22/2012 to 06/06/2012 with

AIRC: Rome - Interdisciplinary Semester in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
How to be self-reliant. How to travel internationally. How to acclimate oneself to a new culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Best. Experience. Ever. From the time that we landed in Rome to the day that we left, I was having the time of my life. Not only did we get an in-depth, off-the-tourist track view of all that Rome had to offer courtesy of AIRC and our own Dr. Chapman, we were also able to enjoy every minute of it because the classroom learning was minimal. I think that such a situation is requisite for a study abroad program lasting two weeks.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

AIRC was great and ACCENT, who handled the housing, were fantastic. I cannot recall a negative interaction with any of the administrators. Everyone was so kindly and welcoming.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Minus the jerks that we were made to live with (thanks Northeastern University) who had no idea of cleanliness or quiet hours, the apartment was great; simple, but great. I always felt safe when walking around in the neighborhood and our apartment was conveniently close to the tram.

* Food:

Real Italian food...for every meal!!! What an experience! I ate better on that trip than any other time while in college

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being able to walk around to all the Piazzas and see the tourist sites was great but I made a point of walking around the quieter sections of Trastevere to get a feel of how real, modern-day Romans live. Those exploratory sessions were so much fun!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had an experience with a health-care related issue. I had to get a Hepatitis vaccine before I left but nothing in country. The corner grocery had all manner of medications that I would (most likely) need.

* Safety:

I felt safe throughout the trip. Some advice: stay in well-lit areas, travel in groups when possible, try to avoid being the 'loud, rude, obnoxious American' that creates a bad stereotype for the rest of us :)

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food at the grocery instead of eating out all the time. Do all of your gift-shopping later in the trip. Allot yourself a set amount of money over week and stick to it!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • The memories made with good friends
  • The sights of ROME!!!
  • The food :)
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The world is just waiting for you to step out of your comfort zone. Travel as often as you can!

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'