Bennecelli B*****s!!! Past Review

By Sarah C (Rollins College) - abroad from 08/27/2013 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?

So many things from education stuff to personal things about myself and living with others as well as a completely new culture. It can be overwhelming, but so worth it and there are always people around if things get confusing or tough!

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.	Absolutely loved all of my classes and while my interests were stronger in some more than others, the professors really push you in order for you to grasp the course.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:	I love food, so if you like food too it's great to be able to cook in the apartments, but also be right in Rome with some of the best Italian restaurants in the world at your disposal.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Relatively integrated, how ever the language barrier was difficult at first, but with Italian class we learned a lot of the basics for everyday life and that made it easier to communicate in Italian. The local culture was great, I think the positioning of student housing is in a really good area.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I felt pretty darn safe in Italy and as long as you are with a friend group you trust, have fun at night and you can avoid any sketchy situation.
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)	If you are smart about your money and keep to budget you will be better off. Europe is wonderful in the sense that travel is so easy as well as relaxed laws for drinking, but it is extremely to view the Euro as monopoly money. Just be mind full of your money so you can make the most of it. (especially when fall break comes and you are traveling)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	2000
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Spending money on the authentic foods in Italy is most definitely worth the 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
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?	Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	Intermediate with Spanish, but never Italian
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?	With friends! Make it as fun as possible, you won't feel pressured to be perfect and you really learn a lot!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans Other
* 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?	Freedom city travel opportunities
* What could be improved?	the school is small, maybe too small? Oh man.. transportation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	HOW TO MANAGE MY MONEY! and take every opportunity you can to do something new and out of your comfort zone!

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Principles of Management
Course Department:	Business
Instructor:	Sonnabend
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course was a great challenge for those interested in business management. The information was pertinent to both the US and Italy, and the professor was amazing and his attitude as well as the other students made me more interested in participating; plus teamwork is very important. There are homework assignments every once in a while as well as a mid term and final exam and a team project!
Credit Transfer Issues:	If there are any issues reach out to your home institution's OIP and don't be scared to also talk to professors from home who are heads of the department in order to receive credit for a class. And of course you have your international host school that can do the same.