Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living in the Eternal City of Rome Past Review

By (Elementary Education, CUNY - College of Staten Island) - abroad from 07/01/2013 to 08/02/2013 with

CUNY - College of Staten Island: Rome - Study Abroad at American University of Rome

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying in Rome was an indescribable experience. I woke up every day to discover a new part of a city that came to mold the world as I know it. Each day brought a new adventure to experience and a new place to discover. I found a way to discover and develop my own interests as I explored the ancient streets of Rome. The world was unfolding and expanding in the Eternal city, as I discovered and learned through the centuries. I saw the world reflected in Rome’s image.

Review Photos

CUNY - College of Staten Island: Rome - Study Abroad at American University of Rome Photo CUNY - College of Staten Island: Rome - Study Abroad at American University of Rome Photo CUNY - College of Staten Island: Rome - Study Abroad at American University of Rome Photo CUNY - College of Staten Island: Rome - Study Abroad at American University of Rome Photo CUNY - College of Staten Island: Rome - Study Abroad at American University of Rome Photo

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.

I had such an amazing experience and would go back to Rome and AUR in a heartbeat.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The school was very helpful. The orientation was insightful to the way in which Rome functions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were close to the Rome’s center, the school, and near local grocery stores. I found them convenient and comfortable.

* Food:

AUR did not provide food but it was easy to find. I was able to cook meals or go out to eat everyday. Rome has amazing places to eat all over the city.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

By the end of my trip I felt like a Roman. I knew the streets, I understood the culture, and I was able to converse with locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health concerns during my time abroad.

* Safety:

Being from New York City I knew how to handle myself in a city. I was weary of the pickpockets in Rome but by taking precautions with my belongings beforehand I was able to ensure my own and my belongs 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)

I had specifically saved money to spend and enjoy my time abroad, so while living abroad I was able to indulge in the food, sights, and culture of Rome.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150.00-$200.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When traveling abroad take money out in larger bulks from a checking account so that you are charged the fee once, rather then multiple times.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The amazing sights that Rome has to offer
  • The atmosphere of Rome
  • The great people I was able to meet through my program
* What could be improved?
  • The transit of Rome has a spotty schedule at best
  • There are a lot of pickpockets in the city
  • There was no air conditioner in my apartment, in July, during a heat wave
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to buy the Rome archeologia card.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

ARC 101
Course Department: Archeology
Instructor: Alvor
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class called on students to explore Rome outside of the classroom. Each day the class was taught in a different historical sighte within the city and taught students about the different features of Rome through its architect, art, and ruins.
Credit Transfer Issues: I had no trouble transferring any of my 3 credits from AUR to my home school.