Life changing! Past Review
By Courtney M (Business Management, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 08/27/2014 to 12/13/2014 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester in Rome
I thought I had a life plan but it all changed once I went abroad. I grew so much personally and I feel like a completely different person with a new-found vision of who I am and what I want out of life.
Review Photos
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. |
The American University of Rome is academically rigorous - it's not a "blow off" semester by any means but I learned so much from all of my professors. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were helpful WHEN they talked to me but communication was dismal at best. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment was beautiful, modern, close to the center of Rome with public transportation to all corners of Rome right outside. However, the Student Life office of AUR did literally NO matchmaking for roommates so, I hated all 5 of my roommates. They placed 3 sorority sisters from Miami in an apartment with 3 other girls who were there alone. |
| * Food: |
It's ITALY. Of course the food was AMAZING. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
All of our neighbors were locals and I got to practice my Italian language skills every single day with them. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
CISabroad includes international health insurance in their program fee! I had a health concern in the middle of the semester which was completely covered by the insurance. I was met at the Salvator Mundi International Hospital (a 5 minute walk from the university) by Jade, who was part of the on-site staff and she stayed with me during my time there. No vaccines were necessary for me to travel to Italy from the US. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe during my time there but you need to always be cautious of gypsies and pickpockets everywhere you go. I always had a money belt and I was always on guard. |
| 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) |
Rome, in general, is a very expensive city and I was pretty unprepared. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100-$150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook at home! Going out every night can get expensive but I know it's tempting since the pizza and pasta is just SO good. |
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 |
I lived around locals and Romina was from the area. I spoke Italian whenever I could. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Elementary Italian |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Use it with the locals! They're always so helpful and are extremely encouraging when you at least TRY to learn their language. |
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? | The typical cost of living. |
