Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great food, even better culture. Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 01/21/2014 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?
Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime experience. Being immersed in another culture and language is something invaluable. I loved every minute of being abroad and I love all the friends I made. I will never forget the memories I made in Rome.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed the classes I took in Rome. I took two on-site classes which were really fun. I got to explore the city and learn about it! I also loved my Italian class. It was a great experience being able to learn the language and then use it on my walk home. Some of the classes were not exactly academically rigorous and the way professors grade in Europe is much different than the grading system in America which is something that definitely frustrated me.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

If you are looking to go somewhere with amazing food, Rome is the place to go for sure.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The doctor was only available for very short periods of time that interfered with my classes. Also, if I had gotten sick I probably wouldn't have been able to go all the way to the doctor's office because it was so far from my apartment.

* 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)

Studying abroad gets to be very expensive. Food ends up costing a lot and there are always other types of expenses.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely try to give yourself a budget and stick to it. Write down how much you are spending. Don't spend a lot of money on clothes and cheesy souvenirs but if you find something special go for 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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Ital204
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? Take an Italian class before going abroad, you won't regret 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

* 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

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Only had class 3 days a week
  • Bridgesport: teaching Italian children how to play basketball
  • On-site classes
* What could be improved?
  • Consistency on how things are graded
  • Event that promote friendships between study abroad and resident students
  • Events that allow study abroad students to connect with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Europeans always looks their best.

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 Urbanite
A 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.