An Incredible Experience Past Review
By A student (Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 01/31/2014 to 05/14/2014 with
The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was absolutely a worthwhile experience I would recommend studying abroad to any body. I would especially recommend Rome, Italy because I really did feel like I was immersed in the culture of Rome. The food and history are also an extra bonus that both made my experience amazing.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I truly enjoyed my experience at AUR. It was incredible. I thought that it really immersed me in the culture of Rome. It's location is fantastic, the school was small and the courses created a good environment for discussions and learning. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I was enrolled in Art of Rome 100 at AUR which is an on-site class where I was able to have class in the center of Rome every week. I truly loved this course and would absolutely recommend it because I would know about the history of why an important piece of art of architecture was built, why it was built, and who built it. This course really made my time worthwhile in Rome. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I liked the location of my housing. It was right in between Trastevere and the school's location. The apartment's contained everything we needed for suitable living. |
| * Food: |
The food in Rome was incredible. I think that I tried every dish that was specific to Rome. AUR's location was also great because we were right near a popular pizza and deli that were delicious! I would go at least twice a week after class! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt extremely integrated with the local culture. I would learn Italian to communicate with the locals which made me feel like I was truly living in Rome and not just visiting. I made a routine and lifestyle in Rome and I really enjoyed that I felt like a resident by the time I left. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any health issues. |
| * Safety: |
The city that I lived in Trastevere was very safe I never felt unsafe. Our apartment had a protected lock and key system. The university also had a very safe security system. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
I had a budget that was flexible. I would treat myself if I needed to since this is a once in a lifetime experience. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 125 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | No |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I really enjoyed the Italian course that I took at AUR, I really felt like it gave my the vocabulary I needed to go around on a day-to-day basis and we were always encouraged to practice. |
| 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? | Spanish |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | I did not do any preparation beforehand. However, if you listened to a disc or tape of beginner language it may help, but I do not know from first hand experience. |
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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish that I did not bring as many clothes to Rome. I did not wear half as much as I thought I would |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
