Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Roads Will Now Lead to Rome Past Review

By (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) - abroad from 06/10/2013 to 07/20/2013 with

AIRC: Rome - Interdisciplinary Semester in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and the career that I want to pursue (archaeology). It cemented the fact that I want to be active in the subject as well as the international side of it. I met people who encouraged and inspired me and I have a new found love for Rome. It was completely and utterly worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This program allowed us to explore and live in Rome, giving us the opportunity to feel like we were part of the culture everyday.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

It is expensive but I saved my money for this.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 90~
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for restaurants that have multi course set meals for around 15 euros. Do experiment with the grocery stores and markets. Always splurge on gelato though!

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
  • International Students
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?
  • Hands on experience
  • Living in Rome
  • The intensity
* What could be improved?
  • Educating visitors on site ethics (not students, observers)
  • Perhaps a language component
  • Otherwise it was excellent
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is more field school driven so there will not always be people as focused on the learning archaeology rather than the simple fact of being in Rome.

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!