Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Experience of My Life Past Review

By (Accounting, High Point University) - abroad from 01/21/2014 to 05/12/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was absolutely worthwhile. I matured significantly and figured out what I was passionate about. I was able to make peace with my mind (through intellectual stimulation in my classes, reading, and planning trips); body (from the yummy food, running with the AUR Running Club, playing on the AUR She-Wolves soccer team, and walking everywhere); and soul (through giving back to the community working with a local Girl Scout Troop, adventurous trips, and figuring out who I was). I am a much happier, independent, confident person because of this experience.

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? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics were more challenging than I had expected but enhanced my experience abroad significantly. In marketing communications I had a semester long group project to make a marketing communications plan for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. At the end of the semester we presented our plan to them at their headquarters. The three marketing classes I took were excellent and gave me a better understanding of Italian business. My English class was "Images of Italy in American and British Authors." Through this class I was reading about foreigners exploring Rome just as I was. Professor Colletta and Professor Sonnabend are highly recommended.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I LOVED the student-life administration at AUR. Kathy Bemis was amazing is helping me facilitate volunteer work and 5 or 10k races. She would print out directions to the race site, look up bus schedules, and give me all of the contact information I needed. We went to a running convention together one Saturday and it was a blast. Kathy is a friendly, caring, inspiring woman, without whom my study abroad experience would not have been everything it was. The administration wants to help get students involved and keep students happy.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment via Antonio Bennicelli 32 was great. We always had hot water and the apartment was very spacious, including a lot of closet space. I enjoyed the balcony off of my bedroom. The apartment was a 30 minute walk to school and a tram ride to the center of the city. The apartment was two blocks from Villa Doria Pamphili, the most beautiful park I've ever seen.

* Food:

The food in Rome was amazing. Obviously the pizza, pasta, and gelato were to die for. It was also fun shopping for groceries in the open air markets, getting everything fresh.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Although I spoke very little Italian (not knowing any prior to the trip), I was able to get by. I had a lovely relationship with an Italian boy who was in graduate school (he spoke broken English). The nightlife is amazing in Rome. I got to know my doorman and neighbors who rode the bus on the same schedule as me. If you do not act like a tourist, it is fairly easy to integrate.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I did not have any safety issues when I was in Rome. I ran alone in the park every day and never had any issues. Be aware of your possessions at all time and always be in control to maximize your 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)

Living on a student budget is manageable if you limit dinners out. Going out at night can be expensive. Cooking for yourself builds your sense of independence. It makes you feel like a local walking to the market to grocery shop.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Remember euros do not equal dollars! Cooking for yourself can be just as much fun and cultural as going out to dinner.

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? 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? Spanish IV
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? Go to Italian tutoring if you are struggling. It greatly helped me and I wish I had started going sooner in the semester.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Extracirricular opportunities
  • The city of Rome
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • More student involvement
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know the importance of getting involved at AUR in order to have a more fulfilling semester. Get your health physical so you can be on the various sports teams. Stay in Rome some weekends! I loved my weekend trips, but I have just as many memories from exploring my home city. You may not know it at the time, or see it happen, but you will come home a changed person.

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.