Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Would do it again in a heartbeat! Past Review

By (Marketing., Drexel University) - abroad from 08/27/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I was able to take business classes with an international view which was cool. I met so many new people and made so many friends that I will keep in touch with. I also was able to travel to 8 countries and 14 cities, experiences and memories I will always remember.

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.

The classes are very interesting and the teachers overall are great. There are some teachers who are a little difficult to deal with, but this could depend on the nature of the school you come from. It was not pass/fail for me, and for this reason I deducted a star.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The school does not have a cafeteria, if that matters to you. It is hard not to find good food in Rome.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In my opinion, the school directs you towards the more American side of Rome.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Easy to access a doctor at the school when sick.

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe.

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? 300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a paid internship for as long as you possibly can.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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
  • International Students
  • Other
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Housing
  • Maintenance guys in housing were awesome!
* What could be improved?
  • More encouragement to go to local bars, restaurants, etc.
  • More absences or do not require students to go to school on Thanksgiving (I was literally required to for 2 classes or I would fail the class, despite the fact I missed 0 classes in both!)
  • Some sort of dining program maybe
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It will be Summer until November. I didn't pack accordingly.

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.