The Best Memories of my Life! Past Review

By Nour Bashiti (Jacksonville University) - abroad from 01/21/2017 to 05/05/2018 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester in Rome

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It was definitely worthwhile. I truly learned how to live a European lifestyle. I learned some Italian and made friends from all over the world and all over the US. I learned a lot in my major. For all political science students, you will learn the most about international relations at AUR than any other university. The professors were well-versed in their respected fields.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The course structure at AUR is similar but a little more challenging than those at my home university. Nonetheless, I had an educational experience that made me push my limits and think beyond the classroom. It was hard to get my hands on the books the professors requested so I recommend ordering them in advanced.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Amazing administration, very helpful and caring.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	It was in a great location that is close to the university and all the cool places in Rome. It was in the heart of Trastevere which was convenient.
* Food:	Italian food speaks for itself, simply amazing!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Befriending locals is key! I made friends instantly, Italians are super friendly.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I got sick twice and the program did not coverage my health expenses even though I had insurance. I would say that it was terrible and Italy is not the best with health issues. I had to pay for a doctor to visit me and pay for my expenses in the hospital. I had an infection in my gums and was not reimbursed because they said they don't cover dental issues.
* Safety:	Don't stay out late every night and you'll be fine. Rome is safe, just depends where you go and how late it is. Stay away from creepy fruit vendors!
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes I would have definitely did it through CIS, just because the program was super organized and laid out everything from day one!

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)	Rome isn't expensive but shopping can be and so can weekend trips. Plan at least $1000 for things like shopping and weekend travels.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	200-300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Take public transport when possible. Stay away from touristy places, the best food is in Trastevere anyways.

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	Hardly used Italian while living there.
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None
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 Conversation
How many hours per day did you use the language?	0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Make Italian friends at AUR.

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	Local Students Americans International Students
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?	Weekend trips in Rome The area I stayed in Advisor, Romina
* What could be improved?	Insurance provider
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Expect the worst.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Terrorism and Political Violence
Course Department:	International Politics
Instructor:	Cecilia Emma Sottilotta
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was the most exciting and engaging course I ever took. It definitely taught me a lot about politics and international crime.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I did not have any difficulties with credit transfers.

Course Name/Rating:	Political Movements in Europe
Course Department:	International Politics
Instructor:	Giorgio Poti
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was a challenging course but it is essential to take for American students who don't have much knowledge on political movements in Europe. It does explain why European politics operate the way they do.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Political Theory
Course Department:	International Politics
Instructor:	Andrea Branchi
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was such a boring and challenging class, but professor Branchi is brilliant in his work so he makes the course more interesting and relates the theories to the works of politicians.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Democracy and Government in Today’s Society
Course Department:	International Politics
Instructor:	Irene Caratelli
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The course I took was a higher level course that needs a strong understanding of politics and world history. Its definitely one of my favorite classes and Professor Caratelli encourages students to be heavily involved in discussions.
Credit Transfer Issues: