AIFS: Rome - Richmond in Rome Photo

Ciao Roma Bella! Until We Meet Again

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:

Leanna H. (Human Services & Rehabilitation, Assumption College) on September 20, 2011

Overall Rating

Review Photos

AIFS: Rome - Richmond in Rome Photo AIFS: Rome - Richmond in Rome Photo AIFS: Rome - Richmond in Rome Photo

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.

Professors try to accommodate as best as they can to the American college way while still keeping with the Italian way of learning

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was extremely helpful, not only with school, but if you needed advice on traveling or things to do in the city.

* Housing:

I had an amazing apartment in Prati! It was a huge place and we had internet and tv. The neighborhood was very quiet which was nice at night. I felt extremely safe there and the Metro stop was right down the road which was very useful. The only problem is we were pretty far from school and nightlife.

* Food:

La insalada ricca!! Best salads and bruschetta ever!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

AIFS organizes a lot of trips that are worth while. Going to the sulfur baths was an experience I would not have thought of doing unless AIFS provided the opportunity for it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe, especially in my neighborhood

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did Assumption 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

You could practice with staff and other store owners by the school who were used to American students. A lot of people spoke broken English but they appreciated when you at least tried to speak in Italian

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live 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? Willing to step outside of their comfort zone and experience a whole new way of life
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? I learned a lot about myself and how independent I can be. I look at the world from a different persepective now and have realized not to sweat the little things in life.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Art and Culture in Rome

Course Department:
Instructor: Antonella Merletto
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Awesome professor! Great class; learned the most about Rome
Credit Transfer Issues: Make sure you get multiple courses approved in case you don't end up taking the ones you originally intended on.