Truly life changing, putting a lot into perspective. Past Review
By Gina D (Advertising, Marketing, and Communications, SUNY - Fashion Institute of Technology) - abroad from 01/22/2013 to 05/16/2013 with
The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
This experience was truly the most spontaneous, adventurous, and wonderful thing I could have ever done. I'm beyond grateful and blessed to have been giving this opportunity. If you have the chance, you MUST do it. It teaches you so much about yourself, life in general, different ways of living/cultures, and really puts life into perspective. You being to appreciate all the things, whether big or small that you have at home more, and what you have being abroad that you'll most defiantly miss when your home. It's defiantly a life lesson and something you will never forget, leaving you with stories to last a lifetime.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I really was impressed with the teaching staff at the American University of Rome. All four of the teachers I had were extremely knowledgeable of the courses at hand as well as being readily available to provide assistance and re-explain lessons if it was unclear. Also, I was pleased with the variety of course options available during the admission process. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Always beyond helpful and extremely nice. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was nice to be in a different area, away from the school. It pushes you to explore a new area and is even a nice walk to school. However, personally I don't think it is necessarily appropriate to have college students living with residents. I found their to be a lot of noise complants and problems. If I could suggest anything it would be to have all AUR students within the same building, allowing everyone to bond more closely. Some type of dormitory complex or maybe even an apartment slot. |
| * Food: |
I love the food in Italy. The several open-markets, grocery stores, and fruit stands make it easily accessible to obtain great meals and even cook! I'm really going to miss the fresh ingredients. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was nice to see how true families live and act within their environment. In passing while coming in and out of the apartment, I would exchange hello's, good mornings, etc with the residents and vise versa. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Luckily, I haven't had any serious health issues while being abroad, just minor ones such as headaches, colds, etc this was all taken care of by the AUR doctor. |
| * Safety: |
Everywhere is the world their is crime, however there are of course precautions to take. Some advice: Always carry your belongings close to you within a zippered bag or zippered pocket. Leaving valuable items such as iphones, ipods, money within a pocket slip isn't a bright idea. Keep them contained even within your apartment. Always dead-bolt your door, don't just close it and let it lock behind you. Just always be aware of your surroundings, like anywhere else you can never be too 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) |
It wasn't the easiest. I would suggest going grocery shopping in the beginning of the week, holding you over until the weekend. On the weekend, I would splurge a little maybe go out to eat with your roommates/friends. Eating out all the time adds up though, so I wouldn't suggest it. There are such great grocery stores and markets that it could be fun to cook with your roommates. |
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 |
Since it was an American University it is really up to you, individually to make the most of speaking a different language. I took an italian class so it pushed me to want to learn more/speak it within the classroom. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | Italian 2 |
| 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? | I wished I practiced more before coming abroad. Even though I previously took an Italian course, I still wished I would of kept up with it after that class was over and during winter break. There are learning italian apps for the iphone, cd's/tapes, online courses, etc. I wish I would of put more time into it before coming. In learning a language it has to be a continuous desire to learn/practice, if not you will forget. |
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? |
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 know the Italian language is defiantly not the easiest to pick up. So just practice while at home before coming abroad, listening to Italian words and phrases of your ipod/ipad, etc. Over prepare yourself, it won't hurt. Also, I wish I didn't have so much fear or anxiety before hand. Although, I came abroad not knowing a single sole, I have meet so many amazing people and made great friends that I'll be sure to continue the friendships once we leave. Don't be afraid, the risk is worth it, I promise. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
