Amazement Past Review
By Ashley Vancleave (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 06/25/2017 to 07/22/2017 with
AIFS: Rome - Richmond in Rome and Internship Program
A new out look on life and a deeper appreciation other cultures.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were interesting, mostly just strait lecture and notes and written finals. The written finals were harder than needed be, but this was due to the university guidelines. I wish the written exam wasn't as over regulated, due to the class material not being as in depth enough to write 6 pages in less than 2 hours. This way of examination was way different than my usual american course exams. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was such a delight! I loved them all so much, and feel so lucky to have them as my guides in the country. They made everything so easy, safe, and FUN! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my cozy little apartment! I cant complain much other than probably the typical things that maybe others did, but even then nothing was intolerable. The apartment was in a good location, but a 25-30 min walk in the heat to class but again do-able. Remember in Italy there is NO air-conditioning, so always having apartments that lend fans are extremely encouraged. |
| * Food: |
The only thing that bothered be about the experience that i found hard to get over was the meal plan. They offer a range of places to go... but some were very far and only took meal plan as certain times. I just wish there was more freedom with my food, rather than me eating at some of the same places because of convenience. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had so much fun with everyone, and never felt extremely uncomfortable or out of place in society! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Didn't get sick, or anyone on my trip! |
| * Safety: |
Rome was the capitol of Italy, and well known for pick pocketing. But i never felt unsafe, I was just always paying attention and keeping aware of my surroundings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
maybe another if they offered better meal plan / opportunities |
Finances
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* 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) |
Pretty pricy. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That i should have tried to stay longer! |
