Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Past Review

By (Marketing, University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 01/20/2015 to 05/12/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad lets you learn so much about yourself and about others. I have gained so much appreciation for traveling, for other countries, for new experiences, and for America. You learn so much more than you could ever imagine. I am so glad that I studied abroad, especially in Rome. It is such a beautiful and great city. I loved it here.

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.

The courses were very manageable even when traveling every weekend. The small classes let you get close to the professors and build relationships.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration at AUR is great. Everyone is eager to help and make your study abroad experience the best that it can be. StudentLife was very resourceful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing could be better and more updated. Even still, it was in a great location and I met a lot of great friends living here.

* Food:

The food here in Rome is amazing. They were some of the best dishes I've had in Europe. Also, grocery stores are everywhere and very inexpensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You are very integrated with the local culture. It's hard not to be when living in apartment buildings with local Romans. You are not kept with all of the other study abroad students which makes you experience local life easier.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My school gave me health insurance but I never really ran into a health problem. The doctor at AUR, though, is very easy to schedule an appointment with. Also, there are so many pharmacies and it makes it so easy to get anything from advil to prescription medication.

* Safety:

All of the AUR students are put in very safe communities. You are mostly surrounded by families. I never once felt unsafe while I was here. Again, it is important to travel in groups and protect your belongings, but by doing that you will always feel comfortable.

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)

It can be easy to live on student budget I just knew I wanted to do everything so I spent more than most.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Each week I spent about 100-200 on food and other expenses. It depends on whether you're traveling or not.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget before you come to Rome. Things really do add up. Keep in mind to add in transportation, food, and gifts when traveling around Europe.

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

Our Italian teacher taught us the basics and the common phrases that were necessary for getting around. She also made sure to answer our questions about the culture and words that we wanted to know.

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? No prior Italian courses
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? Practice when you are out in Rome. The Italians know you're American or foreign so they may just speak english back to you, but it's a great way to practice your Italian.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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?
  • Rome
  • Traveling
  • Meeting new people
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that you have to budget or to add more money into my account. Spending money becomes a habit here and it's something to keep an eye out for. But in the end, I don't regret spending my money because I gained so many great experiences that are way more valuable.

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.