My crazy, stressful, fun, amazing, never forgettable 4 months in Italy Past Review
By Casey S (Towson University) - abroad from 01/23/2013 to 05/16/2013 with
The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned that being able to live in another country for 4 months is one of the most important and eye-opening things that a college student can do. If you can survive, thrive, get around, and live in another country, you can do anything. It was one of the most worthwhile things I could have ever done as a 20 year old Junior college student. At times it was difficult to deal with the 6 hour time difference of the East Coast. Some days, all I wanted to do was talk to my family and friends back home, but the time made it impossible at times. Sometimes it felt like i grew apart from many of my friends, only to talk to them a week or 2 later, and realize everything was okay. The support system I cultivated here in Rome during my time has been absolutely incredible. I've met people from all over the world, some that I can now call very good friends. Some whom I plan to see when I get back to the states. Overall, this experience has taught me a lot about myself and my limits, and has allowed me to be able to say that I did this for 4 months on my own with other people in the same boat. We went from scared and lost tourists, unable to get from one area to another, to members of the Roman community, able easily get anywhere in the city we needed. I can't wait to go back to Rome, my second home, to see my friends again.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Some professors at AUR can be very difficult, and often seem to forget that the majority of the students are study abroads who are not just there to study, but also experience Europe; new cultures, foods, languages, etc. On the other hand, having on-site classes, walking around Rome, and learning new information about the country and its culture is one thing that AUR allows you to do well. The professors are very knowledgable about the content, and classes often overlap with regard to information, making it easier to apply what you've learned on a wide-range of classes. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The AUR administration is excellent. The Student Life Office, located in the main building has some of the best staff available. They are so helpful, and whenever you need anything all you have to do is call them or go into the office and they will do whatever they can to solve the problem. Aside from that, they are the nicest people in the world. Don't be shy to randomly go in and say hi, introduce yourself, and let them know who you are. Having a good rapport with them can help you out in the long run |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
|
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
Finances
|
* 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) |
Sometimes its difficult to live in another country, financially speaking, especially with the exchange rate. But as long as you are smart with your money and don't blow 80 Euros a night at the bars, it should be okay. Your friends find cheap, good food, bargains, and other places where spending money is a little easier. What is important to remember is that you are in a foreign country, and money will be tough to deal with no matter what. But being college students, people find the good ways to not completely burn a hole in their wallet. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
|
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
|
| 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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Talk to people! its so important to study Italian. Most study abroad students chose to hang out at the American areas, where everything is in English. Go to the less touristy areas, practice Italian with people, and DONT BE SHY! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | HOW TO SPEAK 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 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. |
