All Roads Lead to Rome Past Review

By (Anthropology, University of Maine at Orono) for

ISA Study Abroad in Rome, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad allowed me to see and experience things I only dreamed of. I never thought I would be able to walk the streets of Rome and walk the same streets as the great Emperors of history. It was an eye-opening experience that I will carry with me every day and one that helped me grow as a woman.

Review Photos

International Studies Abroad (ISA): Rome - Courses in English with International Students Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Rome - Courses in English with International Students Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Rome - Courses in English with International Students Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Rome - Courses in English with International Students Photo

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.

The course work at the American University of Rome, specifically the Classics and Archaeology classes, were both challenging and interesting. Compared to the University of Maine's education system, it was only slightly more difficult, but overall was very similar in required work, such as papers, exams and presentations.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration of my program was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They were always available for advice and help. Most importantly to me was the fact that they were so nice. It was welcoming, especially being in a foreign country, to have a group of people who knew a lot about the are and were eager to help make the most out of my experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing arrangements were great! The apartment came fully furnished with everything imaginable, except fans, and was clean. A cleaning lady came every week which was a huge help. The apartment was far enough away from campus where we were surrounded by Italian families but close enough to walk and for easy transport.

* Food:

Obviously, when in Italy you have to eat the pizza, pasta, and gelato as much as possible! But you have to eat all of it and try something new every time. The food of the Italian culture is an incredibly important aspect to life and thus, you must indulge and enjoy every bit of it. Have a relationship with your food every meal! In Trastevere, Rome, there is a fantastic restaurant called Mapi. The owner is incredibly friendly and loud and just amazing!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I travelled almost every weekend during my program. I loved Rome, and was able to enjoy it during the week; however, come Friday, I was traveling with friends. On my own I travelled to Cinque Terre, Budapest, Dublin, Berlin, Nice, Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, and London, and with the help of the arranged trips by my program, I was able to go to Florence, Sorrento, Capri, and Pompeii. Traveling throughout Europe is relatively cheap and completely worth it!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

While in Rome I felt relatively safe; however, being in a foreign country I was always aware of my surroundings. Pick-pockets are extremely common and so you have to be conscious of your belongings.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

My program required taking an Italian course; however, it was primarily culture, thus in order to improve language skills I would recommend the extra-curricular groups that focus on learning the Italian language through emersion.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The planned trips were great and well organized.
* What could be improved?
  • Providing fans in the apartments for the hot weather as well as extra blankets for the cold weather.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you love delicious, mouth watering food complimented by fine wine and being surrounded by ancient history, then Rome is the right place for you!