Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Beautiful City Past Review

By (International Public Health/International Health, University of Miami) - abroad from 08/23/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience was definitely worthwhile. It was quite the learning experience to immerse myself in a different country. It is always valuable to see how another part of the world lives.

Review Photos

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

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

Edgar and the rest of the staff were more than helpful when we bothered them with our daily questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

There are great restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, and the like all around the area.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish there were more school sponsored programs that would push the study abroad students to integrate with the community, such as maybe a trip to a farmer's market or flea market.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Keep a close eye on your bags and be smart about going out and drinking and you will be fine.

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)

Weekend trips and dinners at restaurants really add up, start saving in advance!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200

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

It is helpful but unnecessary to know Italian. You will learn enough to get by very quickly, and a great deal of people in Europe speak English.

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? None
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? Download the app "duolingo", it is a great way to start!

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

  • 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?
  • location in relation to the city of Rome
  • easy to do weekend trips
  • the food, and cooking classes offered
* What could be improved?
  • integration in the Roman community
  • living with randomly paired other study abroad students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The time goes by so quickly, especially if you travel on the weekends a lot. Make sure you take the time to truly explore Rome rather than taking it for granted since you will be there for most of the 4 months.

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.