Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying at AUR- how I've learned to be myself. Past Review

By (Broadcasting and Cinematic Arts, Central Michigan University) - abroad from 01/20/2014 to 05/14/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've learned to be independent and I've learned to go and do my own things. I've also learned that I need to do what makes me happy and not worry about making other's upset. It was very worthwhile, even when I had a lot of rough patches.

Review Photos

The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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? No

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)

Italy is very expensive for living! I had no idea.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I'm not sure, but it was around $5,000 for the whole semester.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Work in the summer and don't spend any of it before going abroad.

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? I had never taken a foreign language course before coming here
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? Duolingo is a great app. Also, listening to cd's in the car would help a lot.

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
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?
  • The sense of community
  • The school trips
  • The location of AUR
* What could be improved?
  • The housing locations
  • The media lab payment requirement
  • Knowledge of public transportation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how difficult it can be to adjust to a new country. This was my first time out of the United States, and everything was thrown at me all at once.