The semester that I never wanted to end Past Review
By A student (Boston College) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 05/16/2012 with
The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
So worthwhile. I am now more independent than ever before and learned so much about myself, Italy, and all the countries I traveled to.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Rome is big, so you might not end up as close to places or other people as you would have wished. However, living further away allows you to learn more about the city and what else it has to offer. |
| * Food: |
Food in Italy is amazing, no matter where you are. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It all depends on how integrated you want to become in Rome. Since a lot of people speak some English, it is easy to not really learn the language. However, people are more receptive and friendly when you try to learn and speak their language. I recommend trying to learn the language and become immersed in the culture because it only betters your experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe, but I was always very aware of my surroundings and was responsible with my belongings at all times. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 all depends on what kind of person you are. It is extremely easy to live on a budget, but I wanted to travel everywhere and eat out to dinner a lot so I made it harder for myself. I must say though, the real authentic Italian restaurants were a lot cheaper than the tourist traps. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't forget about the exchange rate, it can sneak up on you. Everytime you swipe your debit/ credit card or take money out of an ATM you are usually charged with a bunch of international fees. Be aware of what your banks policies are before leaving the USA. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Constantly speak Italian. The more you use it around Rome, the better you will get. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how often I would be taking public transportation. |
