Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

American in Rome! Past Review

By (International Business., Florida Atlantic University) - abroad from 08/28/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot with this experience. I will be taking a lot of tips back to the states with me. I definitely learned to be more conservative, with everything.

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.

My overall educational experience has be wonderful. I really enjoyed the private schooling and small classrooms. This was my first private school and a wonderful experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything required for me overseas was provided by my host country administration. It was really wonderful how easy and how helpful everyone was.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Besides the fact of minimal hot water, living with 5 other people wasn't as bad as I anticipated. It has been a great experience and challenge living this Italian lifestyle

* Food:

I cam here for the food! It was just was I was hoping food. No complaints.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt pretty integrated. But of course there are many foreigners here in Rome, just like us.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Fortunately I did not get sick while I was abroad, my roommate was sick for like 3 weeks and it is hard to avoid when living in the same room. Otherwise, it has been great.

* Safety:

I felt pretty safe, except at night, I don't like to travel in the dark alone. And When the time change happened it got dark out a lot earlier. So this was a small problem

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)

1

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150 at least
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? make sure you know how much you have with you converted into Euros, don't just look at US dollars..

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Spanish 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? Engage in conversation with locals even if you don't know, you will be made fun of either way !!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Location
  • people
  • food
* What could be improved?
  • transportation
  • housing
  • more language classes/practices
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? just certain things to bring and travel with

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 Urbanite
A 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.