Hot. Beautiful. Rich. Fantastic. Past Review
By A student (Plan II Honors and Biology, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/18/2012 to 07/27/2013 with
AIRC: Rome - Interdisciplinary Semester in Italy
I learned how to navigate a foreign country, how to write excavation journals, how to work on an archaeological dig. It was absolutely worthwhile. It was the best way I could have spent my summer.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had a blast with the AIRC. I learned SO much. The staff are unbelievably smart and skilled, and they're all so enthusiastic about what they do. I wouldn't have traded it for the world. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Things were a little confused and disorganized at times - but then, I quickly learned that to be one of the hallmarks of Roman culture. Considering the setbacks we came up against, I think everything was handled really well. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
9 girls in one four-bedroom apartment, with no AC. It wasn't always comfortable, but for the most part we got along well, and we couldn't have asked for a better spot in the middle of the city. |
* Food: |
It's Rome. 'Nuff said. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't experience any health problems, personally, but the directors made it clear that they were always available to help with issues, if any arose. I know several of my fellows had a few minor problems that all seemed to get sorted out without much trouble. |
* Safety: |
Rome can be dangerous. Beware of pickpockets, especially. One of my roommates was also sexually harassed on a train. Best to travel in groups and practice basic street smarts. |
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? | $200-ish |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat leftovers. |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
* What did you like most about the program? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I should have learned more Italian before I got there. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |