A journey of a lifetime that will change you in a positive way forever! Past Review

By (Curry College) - abroad from 01/24/2016 to 05/12/2017 with

AIFS: Rome - Richmond in Rome and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
To say it was "worthwhile," is an understatement! This experience is one that you grow in ways words cannot describe. It will change your life in the best ways. I learned a much deeper meaning of independence, and it has allowed me to live a very fearless life. I couldn't recommend it more. It is what you make of it, but if you go with an open mind, you will have the time of your life!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

AIFS had an incredibly hardworking, dedicated staff that gave the perfect balance of being there to help, and letting you be on your own to grow!

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? Various amounts due to weekend traveling throughout Europe
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look into trips within Europe you may want to take while studying abroad, and look into them before you leave. Don't book before you leave for your semester, but map out when and where you want to go. Travel apps like SkyScanner and airlines like easyjet, vueling, Ryanair, and others are very affordable.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 3
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? Use duolingo if you havent checked it out before. Great app with simple vocab that can help put you ahead of the game.

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
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?
  • Housing
  • Food
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Added day trips
  • Added weekend trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To look into weekend trips away, before I left for the semester.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'