The best experience you will never forget! Past Review
By Daniel K (Accounting and Economics, University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 01/21/2014 to 05/14/2014 with
The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I will now and forever have a home in another country and a foreign city that I can get around. I also learned a lot about another culture and learned life lessons about myself that I would never have learned otherwise. It was 100% worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The University provides a challenging course load but not too challenging that students spend all their time in the library. As a result, if you allocate your time well, you can enjoy being abroad without worrying about your grades dropping. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had no problems whatsoever so I did not need to deal with the administration at all however I only heard good things about the on-site administration in that they are extremely helpful and always there for assistance. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was great having the ability to live in the city of Rome and not in a dorm. It gave us the chance to be exposed to the Roman culture. |
| * Food: |
If you know where to go, authentic Italian food is some of the best in the world and is not too overpriced. Additionally, there are some hidden Roman gems right next to campus so be sure to ask the locals before you end up at a tourist trap. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The housing situation and the location of the University allowed for students to be fully immersed with the local culture. However, it is important to note, that you are only as immersed as you make yourself. In other words, if you don't make the effort to meet the people, speak the language, and try new things then there is only so much integration that can occur with the local culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/A |
| * Safety: |
The most important thing is that you do not come off as a dumb tourist. Italians will know right away that you are a tourist but you will only be targeted if you seem like an easy target. This includes opening your wallet or bag on public transportation, being loud and drunk on the streets, and/or handling money in a public setting. If you are aware of your surroundings and always know where you are then there should be no problems. |
| 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) |
If you plan on only shopping for food and eating in then you can budget yourself on a student's budget but if you plan on eating out and enjoying authentic Italian food, then it is hard to live on a student's budget. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would highly suggest saving up before you go abroad (in general) so that money does not stop you from what will be the best experience of your life. |
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 |
Italian 100 provided us with the opportunity to learn about Italian and the culture but our use of the language was on us. Since most Romans speak some English, you can get around without knowing Italian, but they do like you to try and speak Italian so give it a shot! |
| 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? | Fluent in Hungarian and Hebrew, Intermediate in Spanish |
| 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? | Do not be shy. What's the worst that can happen? You won't see most Italians you will meet ever again but you will remember what you learned so go for it! |
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 I knew exactly how much money I would need to live the lifestyle I wanted comfortably. Save up guys! |
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. |
