Conquering the Eternal City Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I thought the program fit my needs very well. I was fortunate enough to have a semester of free credit and take whatever classes that were interesting to me. The courses I choose were all freshmen/entry level courses, and the work matched well to the level. The professors at this university took their classes seriously and had high expectations for attendance and work done for each class. Even though this university is small, there are a ton of resources on campus for help and research. The library has a large online database, and there are many tutors for a wide range of classes on the campus.

On-site administration of your program

The program administration was very helpful and welcoming. When we arrived to the airport in Rome, staff was there to meet with us and had cars to take us to our apartments. The staff was always around on campus, and it was very easy to walk into the office and ask either a quick question or just have a chat. They were invested in each student's well being, and I enjoyed being able to go into the office and have someone to talk to quickly. There was never an issue with communication, and I felt well taken care of.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were much better than what I expected. I had been told that all apartments in Europe are small and difficult to adjust to, but this was not the case. Our university had secured apartments that had plenty of room. I lived with five other girls and I never felt crowded. Also, the apartments were in an excellent location; all the things we needed were close (food, laundry, transportation, etc.) and since we lived on a main road, it was easy to get anywhere.

The university does not have a cafeteria, so food is on each student. I enjoyed this; I was able to learn how to navigate the grocery store, go out and try new food, and our apartments had kitchens to cook in. The food all around Rome is incredible, so not having somewhere on campus to eat was fine by me!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I personally was not very good at the limited Italian I was learning, so getting fully integrated was difficult. Since this is an American style university, I was not forced to learn Italian. Romans do speak good English, and when I would struggle to speak Italian, someone would be nice enough and switch for me. Living in the apartments was a great way to be integrated because our neighbors were Romans with jobs and families. We had to respect their space and all the rules of the building. Also, having an apartment forced me to go to different stores and learn the Italian I needed to get what I needed. I felt that it was a good mix for me, but for someone who wants to fully immerse themselves in the culture, you would not get that full immersion.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick once during the semester and needed to see the on campus doctor. I sent the email to the staff, and one of them got back to me within the hour. I had an appointment and the doctor was very helpful and prescribed me some medicine. I was able to acquire it at the local pharmacy and was feeling better in no time. I did not have to go to a hospital, but the university provided us with the information and assistance we would need if there was an emergency. The only vaccine that was recommended to me was Hepatitis A and B which I got since it was require. I felt that the program was very clear that they would be there should I have had an emergency and this made me feel more comfortable.

I felt very safe in my host city. The apartment I lived in was on a main road in a good area of the city. The American University of Rome is in an excellent neighborhood, and the security personnel are prevalent and visible during the hours that the university is open. We always had to have our IDs with us becuase that is the only way to enter the area; the ID swipes each student in. Also, in other areas of Rome, men and women in the Italian army stand at the high tourist areas and other members of the police force walk/drive/ride horses around everywhere. The military is also at train stations and the airport. I felt well taken care of at school and safe walking around the city. The only advice I can give to future students is to stay alert and behave as you would in your own city.

This was the right city and program for me. The program was in English, so there was no pressure to perfect the language. The university was small and had an excellent student body that was welcoming and accepting of people from all sorts of backgrounds. Rome is an incredible city that filled my taste of adventure! The food, the people, and the richness of its history is enough to keep one busy for an entire semester.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I budgeted well. If students want to travel, eat great food, and explore different parts of Rome, they can do it on 2700 dollars. That is how much I started with and I was able to go to six countries and see 22 cities and towns around Europe. The important thing to keep in mind is to pack what you will need for an entire semester, and keep yourself to your budget. I told myself I could travel and eat, and that is what I did. Yes, I spent a small amount of money on some souvenirs, but that was toward the end of my stay in Rome when I knew how much money I could use for the extras.

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Welcoming student body
• Interesting classes
• Friendly staff in Student Life Office

• More student events in welcome week

The Avid Adventurer