Italy: Simply the best! Past Review
By Michele C (HISTORY., Towson University) for
The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I feel unstoppable and I am ready to go out and take whatever I want, no matter how big! I went from wanting to teach history (which I will still do) to working internationally and working with the Italian community here in the U.S.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Program administration was overall very well. I was extremely impressed by house well the student life office prepared us and provided for us all semester. There isn't really anything negative to say about this. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I found my own housing. This is not always recommended for Americans. It was much easier for me since I am an Italian. Ironically, one of my roomates came from a town 15 minutes from my hometown in Italy and the other one was a student at my school. |
| * Food: |
Trastevere is full of great choices. Also, there is a really good Neapolitan Pizzeria behind the Coliseum called "Pizza Forum" |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Rome, for such a large city, is relatively safe. There are farmacies everywhere and a doctor at the university. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | This really varies. I spent too much money in the beginning because I ate out too much but then saved a lot of money by cooking for myself at home. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Traveling costs such as ticket prices |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't be afraid to learn the language and speak it with them, they will respect you for it. Any intellectual or human being that doesn't want to live inside of a box forever would benefit. |
