Try something new today for a more interesting tomorrow. Past Review
By Lorenzo E (Marketing., Drexel University) - abroad from 08/28/2012 to 12/14/2012 with
The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
While at AUR I learned new things about myself and was able to really meet some wonderful people. Stepping out of your comfort zone is what led to a successful experience for me. Don't follow routines and be open minded. Ill never forget my time spent here.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Hands on involved learning. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Wonderful staff to help you with anything you may need. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great location right in the Trastevere area of Rome. Spacious apartments and safe neighborhoods. Many stores and eateries around! |
| * Food: |
If you love food then Rome is the town for you. Amazing food options from farmers markets to little restaurants. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
AUR truly is a doorway to the Italian culture. It is however up to YOU to really integrate yourself and try new things. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Doctor is available on campus. Many local public and private hospitals in the area. |
| * Safety: |
The neighborhoods are pretty safe, however you really should do the usual procedures. Lock doors, windows, etc.. when no one is home. Don't carry valuables late at night and keep your phone and belongings out of reach in public places. This is just general advice that I have followed everywhere I go. |
| 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) |
Be prepared to spend more than you planned. Rome is an expensive city. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Food at the grocery store isn't too pricey. Explore the grocery shops and the farmers markets! Eat out, but try and stay away from the piazza restaurants. You can find just as good food in the little roads of Trastevere at a better price. Use the weekdays to be your "budget" days so you can go out on weekends and not have to worry. |
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 |
Italian is spoken on campus, find the students and staff and make some new friends- |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 400 + |
| 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? | Once you have the basics, it is up to you to put it in practice. English is spoken here, BUT don't use that as an excuse to order your meal in English. Use the little Italian you have to put it in practice. Locals may even appreciate your efforts. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | 10+ |
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? | Housing information on what is given to you within your apartment. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
