Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best experience of my life Past Review

By (University of Miami) - abroad from 01/24/2013 to 05/16/2013 with

The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I acquired a sense of Italian culture, which offers many improvements to the usual way of life in the United States.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors at AUR are passionate about teaching their respective subjects and helpful to all students, whether study-abroad or resident. The campus is clean, welcoming, and has all that is needed for a successful experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful and available when needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very spacious with good accommodations and great location.

* Food:

Italian food is so much more than pasta and pizza, but that is not to say they are not great! There is a world of food to discover in Rome and all over Italy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Integration into the culture is largely dependent on the student's effort to associate, but after living in Rome for an extended period, I feel well immersed in the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Very safe- no problems in 4 months.

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)

In general, food is not as cheap as the United States, but spending also depends on one's tastes and eating habits.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop at the farmer's market, even if it means going 3-4 times per week for fresh groceries. It saves money compared to supermarkets. Do not be afraid to cook- it saves money!

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

Used Italian in class, but also in the city/country.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Two-weeks of self-study
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? Immerse yourself in the culture. Do not be intimidated by people that speak another language. It is the best way to learn.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Italian culture
  • Opportunity to travel
  • On-site classes
* What could be improved?
  • Should be more required cultural immersion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How quickly it would pass by; how important it is to associate with locals and make friends, even if there is a language barrier.

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 Linguist
You 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!