Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

amazing month! Past Review

By (Business Administration, Management and Operations., Western Washington University) - abroad from 06/20/2012 to 07/21/2012 with

AIFS: Rome - Richmond in Rome and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My time abroad was absolutely worth it. The art and culture of the country was everything I wanted and more. I saw things I had only dreamed about for years, and there were completely surreal moments that I still look back on like it was all a dream. Completely and 100% worth it.

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.

Class wasn't difficult, but gave us a unique, and widespread exposure to history that I wouldn't have gotten without the class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administrators weren't overbearing, but were always welcoming and completely available to help whenever needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our apartment was BEAUTIFUL. Completely furnished, the landlord was welcoming and kind. The other apartments I visited were also really beautiful and spread throughout the city so everyone got a little bit different experience.

* Food:

The Italian food was amazing! and the meal vouchers provided gave us a wide variety of restaurants to choose from.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We spent all of our time on our own, buying our own groceries, going to restaurants on our own, navigating transportation and getting to school on our own. The immersion in Roman culture was incredible.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Rome is known for its pickpocketing, which did happen to a few students on our trip. We were given an extensive safety presentation by a police officer at the beginning of our trip, and I think he gave us the best ways to be safe and take care of ourselves and each other.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? save gift-buying for until after you have found the lowest princes.

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
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? if you are beginner, get a language survival guide to learn basic words and phrases that you WILL use every day, especially if you want to be respectful of your host country.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • independence
  • culture
* What could be improved?
  • support
  • optional excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That everything will be okay, and I needed to RELAX.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.