studying abroad is awesome Past Review

By (Dental, University of Nebraska - Lincoln) - abroad from 06/27/2014 to 07/26/2014 with

AIFS: Rome - Richmond in Rome and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the culture. It was definitely worthwhile! i had so much fun.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

it was good!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very nice people!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Nice host family, missing a pair of shoes from my room. i wish i had more interaction with the family. They typically eat without me which makes me feel awkward.

* Food:

Love having the food vouchers!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The language barrier is the only thing that was difficult. But I try speaking Italian and you can tell they appreciate it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn't have any problems

* Safety:

Rome feels safe. I didn't like the train ride and walk home to my host family though. So i would frequently leave my friends in Rome at an earlier time which wasn't ideal.

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)

5 food vouchers are life savers!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? without food vouchers things were pretty expensive. 50 euros or more
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? DONT EAT AT THE TOURIST SITES

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 4
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? learn little saying such as hello goodbye, how much, where is, etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • food vouchers
  • weekend getaways
  • location
* What could be improved?
  • more classes
  • closer apartments
  • -
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? pack extra clothes on take on bag ( luggage was lost for 5 days) don't bring expensive things.