Making the most of Study Abroad Past Review
By A student (Political Science and Government., LaSalle University) - abroad from 08/30/2012 to 12/14/2012 with
The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Studying abroad was incredibly worthwhile. It opened me up to new cultures, new languages, and new friends. It helped me grow personally as well as academically. I'd recommend studying abroad to anyone.
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? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The local healthcare system is easy to navigate and free for emergency care. Students who experienced health problems could visit the local hospital or make an appointment with the on-campus doctor. |
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| 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) |
Students are able to choose how they spend their money. They can either live it up lavishly in Rome or buy cheaper food and cook for themselves. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 60-100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Shop at the local markets and grocery stores instead of going out to dinner every night. You'll save a lot of money by the end of the semester. |
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? | 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 in 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? | Simply talk to the people around you. Talk to the people in the bars, cafes, markets, and on the trams. The best way to learn a language is to use it constantly and put yourself in situations where you have to use it. |
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? |
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? | The language barrier is real. Most people can speak some English, but it is helpful to know how to communicate in simple Italian. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
