Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Whole Package! Past Review

By (Marketing., University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 01/22/2014 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?
AUR's professors are truly invested in their students. My classes were hands on and mainly discussion-based. The student-life office is also a great resource for anything and everything you may need. They highly encourage getting to know Rome, especially on a local level. I can honestly say that the university helped me grow as a person and learn more about Rome than I ever would have on my own.

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.

* 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? 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan a budget ahead of time and stick to it!

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? High School French and Latin.
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? The more you try to use the language, the more efficient you will become and the more supportive locals will be of you.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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?
  • Student Life Office
  • Independence encouraged
  • Hands-on learning
* What could be improved?
  • Housing orientation
  • Offer more organized activities inside Rome's city center
  • Encourage residents and study a broads to interact more
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What to pack and what to leave back in the states.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.