Four months you'll never forget! Past Review
By molly.bumbera (Accounting and Marketing, University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 01/26/2012 to 05/16/2012 with
The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot about independence, responsibility, and patience. You learn how to adapt to new situations both challenging and exciting in a way that is respectful and understanding of the host culture. It was one of the most worthwhile experiences I have ever had and I hope to never forget the lessons I learned.
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. |
AUR is the perfect amount of academic rigor for a semester abroad, while I still worked hard all semester to get good grades, if you manage your time wisely, you have plenty of time to enjoy all of the wonderful opportunities found in a semester living in Rome! I also have to commend the school for its amazing academic faculty. It is one of the things I will miss the most about my semester at AUR. The teachers were absolutely fabulous and you could really tell they took joy in showing up to class everyday. I learned so much in the classroom, which really helped free up my time in the evening to enjoy Rome. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We had constant access with not only our teaching assistants and advisors from home, but also the advising staff in Rome. Having those resources was a huge help when we were adjusting during January. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There may not have been a dryer, dishwasher, and constant hot water but it all added to the authentic experience. It put you out of your comfort zone but it allowed you to really experience life in Rome. Also the neighborhoods are so quaint! I grew to love my corner store across the street and next door - it was where I did my daily shopping! |
| * Food: |
Two words: molto bene |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
While we didn't have too much communication with Italian neighbors, we were forced to adapt to the neighborhood, and by the end of four months, I had found a home in Roma, and it was hard to leave. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My roommate sprained her ankle one night during the semester, and the next day she had an appointment with the doctor who came to AUR twice a week and by appointment. |
| * Safety: |
If you are smart (i.e, don't walk alone at night, always have a way to contact a friend with you, know where you live, etc) you will be fine. Going abroad poses many safety risks, but it is up to you and how responsible you are to manage and stay safe. |
| 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) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I would guess around 100 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan trips early, shop at the small mom and pop shops, go food shopping frequently so you don't waste food. |
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 |
We learned phrases that would help us in day to day activities. |
| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| 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? | Don't be afraid, when you go out into the city, use your language. The locals will be pleased to see you are trying and they will help you out! I got lessons from the butcher in my neighborhood every time I went, I would learn something new! |
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?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Plan ahead, especially with expenses. Bring warm clothes, no matter what you hear about the weather. |
