Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I ate alot, drank even more, beheld culture and conquered Rome Past Review

By (Accounting, Saint Josephs University) - abroad from 08/27/2014 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?
I learned that time really does fly, and that TRAVEL can enhance your outlook on life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

AUR might be just a temporary study abroad school, but for most students who attend, it's an established institution! both academic and extracurricular. (Clubs, Teams, societies, extra help study services, etc.)

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

beautiful campus, breathtaking city, the institution meshed so well with its surroundings.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

No comment needed... (It's Rome...)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

AUR apartments are scattered all throughout Monteverde. It's a prime location in Rome, and you're fully integrated with your surroundings. Made me feel like an authentic Roman!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Thankfully, I had no health issues while abroad. However, there were plenty of health services available for student use.

* Safety:

Honestly, I had never felt so safe before. Going to school in Philly, and practically living in the city for all of my life, I was plenty over prepared for the VERY limited dangers that Rome had to offer.

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)

I put in the hours over the summer, so I had plenty of money to construct a budget that I felt was appropriate for my time abroad. (If you're a prudent spender, and you want to spend most of your semester in Italy, then I recommend bringing $5000-$6000.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30-60Euro a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Purchase your groceries at the open market places. All fresh food, and CHEAP! I purchased my groceries week by week and was able to stay within my budget.

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

There were Language exchange "Apertivo's" almost every week. AUR truly inspired students to try and speak Italian.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian 202
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? TRY TO SPEAK! Even if you make mistakes, Italians will help you and they will appreciate your effort.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The People (students, professors, administration, neighbors, local vendors, all of them)
* What could be improved?
  • I wish I had another year of Italian under my belt prior to my trip.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the world is filled with unknown opportunities, wild experiences, and lasting memories. I definitely took advantage of my trip.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.