AIFS: Rome - Richmond in Rome Photo

Rome: truly the best experience of my life.

A Study Abroad Program Review For

AIFS: Rome - Richmond in Rome

Program Information

Heart of the Roman Empire, birthplace of the Renaissance, Italy has made innumerable contributions to Western Civilization.

Though its history and landmarks are familiar to us from books and movies, there is no substitute for the first time you stand in front of the Colosseum where countless others have gon... More

Provider: AIFS
Location(s): Rome, Italy
Year Founded: 1964
Website Take me there!

Review By:

Lauren J. (sociology, Saint Anselm College) on July 25, 2011

Overall Rating

Personal Information

* Start Date: 2011-01-25
* End Date: 2011-05-14
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

the program trips to Venice, Naples, Island of Capri, and Pompei were amazing. As well as the end of the program dinner on the top of the Marriot in Rome. All of the apertivos and day trips were memorable as well. Everything was so fun and so well organized.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

We had a cop in Florence give us a lecture on safety that was very very informative. Never stop doing that!

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did Saint Anselm College prepare and support you for your time abroad?

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I mostly spent money on traveling, I used my meal plan for food, and did not spend a lot during the week on personal expenses.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Europe is expensive!!! especially if you like and want to travel and shop!!!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? spanish 4
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

our classmates, as well as all locals in italy. everyone was more than welcome to help us practice our italian instead of speaking english!

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

A Look Back

* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? Yes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? be open to everything, and be willing do try, see, and do different things than you are use to!
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? My study abroad experience was more than worthwhile. It truly was amazing and I have honestly had a hard time being home! I loved Italy and the other parts of Europe i visited more than anything, especially Italy though. I feel like I could have stayed in Rome, I was very sad to leave, the experiences, the people, everything changed me and my outlook, and I was so happy there. I loved every second and wish I could go back!!!