Loved everything except for the other American students haha. Past Review
By Adina Greenidge (American University) - abroad from 07/25/2016 to 05/11/2016 with
The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot of italian, I learned a lot about the culture and politics of Rome and the history of Italy in general. It was worth every penny, every second, and even worth all the stress that came along with the visa appointments and the roommate issues, it was still amazing and I would do it all over again.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The campus was small and easy to navigate from classroom to classroom. The professors (for political science) were great and really helpful especially during final exams and midterms. You get a lot of chances to make up absences and earn extra points on your grade by going to outside events. Take full advantage of the events! there are a lot of really cool speakers and networking opportunities. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had a lot of roommate issues, which the program administration were not helpful for. The best they could do was relocate you. There were no real repercussions when you report someone. For as much as I paid for housing ($5,000) there should have been a better protocol for matching roommates. For my home university you take a short survey about how you live, so they match you with someone who has similar habits which made for a perfect match with my roommate there. I could have rented out an Airbnb for 4 months instead for half the price If I wasn't discouraged by how difficult the administration made it sound. Although, with medical issues the program administration were very helpful. They help you find hospitals and call to make the appointment for you. They check in on you to make sure you're doing OK. They're also good with campus events. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment was great and spacious, there were options for single rooms if you got there earlier than your other roommates. The only issue I had with housing was my roommates. They dont make any real effort to match you up with people who have the same habits as you. My roommates and I had a lot on confrontation about cleanliness, and noise. My home university did a good job with matching up roommates by comparing surveys we took on hour living habits, and that matched me up with my home roommate perfectly. That change would have made it worth the money. |
| * Food: |
Anything your heart desires is in Rome. Greek food, Chinese food, Roman food, Halal food, Japanese food, American Food. you name it. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I took an Italian class that I assumed was mandatory (but later learned I didn't have to) and this made immersing myself in the culture a lot easier. Learning and practicing the language in real time really helps you understand the culture and connect with the locals around you. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
AuR faculty were very helpful when I needed to be hospitalized. They set me up with a doctor they recommended and made sure my insurance was set up so I wouldnt be charged (since the hospital I attended was private and not free). I also went to a free public hospital, which was a long wait (about 3 hours before I was seen by a doctor and a total of 5 before I was discharged). Make sure you have someone with you that speaks Italian at these hospitals because the one I went to had no english speaking staff. I had to get by with the little italian i knew which was hard. |
| * Safety: |
Being a girl in Rome, at night, is probably one of the only things that worried me while abroad. There are a lot of cat callers, I was followed by a group of about 15 men once, it was terrifying. If you're a woman, make sure you always travel at night with a friend, preferably a male because even when I was with 8 other girls, we were still harassed. Other than that, just watch your purse in public, especially on public transit. My phone was stolen my last day in Rome because I left my bag open on a packed train. Just be mindful of your surroundings all the time, and always travel with a buddy at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Traveling all the time was amazing. The classes didn't give me heavy work loads aside from finals and midterms, which allowed me to travel without stressing about homework. I wish I had a better living experience, but that would have been the only thing I wouldve changed. |
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) |
food/ groceries were about $50 a week. very inexpensive if you cook. If you eat out all the time that could be around $150 a week. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about $100 a week on food and basic things like medicine or house supplies. toilet paper was $1.49 for a pack of 10 rolls... that was awesome. Wine was $2-$8 a bottle, that was even better. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cooking is cheaper than eating out. Booking with Airbnb as opposed to hotels is A LOT cheaper. You can rent out apartment for $40 a night, instead of paying over $100 for a small room. Also, shopping on Via del corso (the main shopping street in the city center) can get expensive, but you can find good deals in the non-name brand stores. Also never settle for something over priced in a store, chances are you'll see the exact same thing some where else for cheaper, sometimes even right next door! Also, The street vendors can be bargained with. If something sounds too expensive, it probably is. Dont be afraid to say "How about $__" because more likely than not they will agree and take whatever you offer (reasonably). Don't forget to be respectful, street sellers will approach you often, obviously just trying to make money for their family, don't curse at them or be rude. If you're not interested just say no thank you, and keep walking. |
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 |
My Italian professor always told us to use our Italian when in stores and in restaurants. I took his advice and my Italian sky rocketed. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | nothing |
| 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? | Study independently, not just for homework or in class. Try not to speak English outside of your apartment. Pratice talking with your friends, or even just when you're sitting idly, try translating simple sentences in your head. Always ask HOW to say something, even if you're talking to a store clerk or a stranger, pronunciation is key. |
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 |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I could have easily rented out an Airbnb or other apartment instead of using university housing. There should have been a section of orientation where they give you other options instead of discouraging you from using alternate housing. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
