Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable experience to speak Latin in Rome. Past Review

By (California State University - Fresno) - abroad from 06/12/2013 to 07/01/2013 with

AIRC: Rome - Interdisciplinary Semester in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the city, its history, its legacy. The monuments are like old friends now. I can identify a lot of them on a map by their shape and position, and I can describe them and their histories in Latin. I know the lay-out of Rome passably well now, and can find my way around with a map.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Dr. Llewellyn ranks among the best teachers I have ever studied with.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The on-site administration found us a place near the school, then found us another when the first agreement fell through. Kudos to them for the effort! The apartment was far from the school, however, and the landlord management company was rather unresponsive to our requests and needs.

* Food:

Roscioli!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

During the second week, natives begin to recognize and deal kindly with long-term tourists.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

n/a

* Safety:

Watch your wallet! Keep your purse zipped.

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-$400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use the kitchen, prepare meals at home.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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
  • International Students
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 instructor, Dr. Llewellyn
  • the exploration of Rome
  • the trips outside the city to Naples, Pompei, Ostia, Ravenna
* What could be improved?
  • Aligning the expectations and goals of the participants.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How the buses work. Also, if I were to do it again, I would go ahead and rent a Vespa for the duration of my stay.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!