Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A life-changing introduction to archaeology Past Review

By (Greek and Roman Studies, Vassar College) - abroad from 06/22/2011 to 08/09/2013 with

AIRC: Rome - Interdisciplinary Semester in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a great deal about travel, living in another city, and being part of an international academic community. Most importantly I learned why archaeology can be so fun and interesting.

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.

Rigorous for those not extensively exposed to field archaeology, a great introduction to fieldwork!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great resources in the city, very organized team. As long as you seek out the resources, they are there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Student apartments in Rome and Tras are pretty standard. These were clean and spacious and mostly quiet.

* Food:

I was digging at Gabii, so lunch was sandwiches with a lot of bread. Could have been worse, I suppose. AIRC takes you out to a lot of gelato and other places, you find some real local pleasures.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Rome was a familiar city for me, but I was usually too tired after the dig to do much exploring on weekdays. Student apartments are usually set apart from the major tourist sites, which has its bonuses as well.

* 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

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)

Living abroad can be very expensive. I relied on some money from home. If i was smart about it and more proactive, I could have lived on a smaller budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euros

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Coursework on stratigraphy, etc.
  • Amazing Trenchmaster
  • Living and eating in Rome
* What could be improved?
  • Encouraging students to do more activities together
  • Immersion in local culture
  • Continuing lectures and bookwork on archaeology throughout course
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Archaeologist are solid walls of muscle.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!