A Time to Enhance Your Life Past Review

By (Nonprofit Leadership, High Point University) - abroad from 08/27/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

UW-Platteville Education Abroad at The American University of Rome (AUR)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself as a person being in a completely new situation and having to adapt to new people and a foreign culture. Rome offers a completely different lifestyle than most people experience in the United States. I also learned more about various cultures in the world that one cannot get from simply reading about. I gained many memories of amazing locations and people that really showed me the bigger picture of life. It was extremely worthwhile and has given me new interests, new passions, and a new outlook and direction on life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never personally felt unsafe, but I heard of some incidents that happened. Just be careful at night and always have a friend!

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget before you come over for everything, from souvenirs, food, shopping, and trips. Keep in mind the conversion rate too of anywhere you might go.

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

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Mix of international and American students
  • Encouraged truly experiencing Italian culture
  • Small school so felt more personal
* What could be improved?
  • More clubs or organizations
  • More guidance when first arriving in Rome
  • Pre-arrival information on typical costs of things such as food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about Italian culture and Rome as a city.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'