THE BEST TIME OF MY LIFE! Past Review

By (Business/Corporate Communications., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/04/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

AIFS: Rome - Richmond in Rome and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and the world around me. If I could do it again I would do it in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

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

I love the administrators of my program they were very helpful and there anytime we needed them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our house was amazing but you have to aware of the cultural differences that can make living in an Italian house

* Food:

The food was amazing and most places had reasonable prices for food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My neighbors were Italian, some of my friends were Italian. I was very integrated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe all of the time. Just be aware of your surroundings and you should be fine.

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)

Europe is expensive period!

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? Beginner
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? Make Italian friends.

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

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the culture
  • the country
  • the people i met
* What could be improved?
  • more interaction with italian students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how expensive Europe is.

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.