Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An insightful and marvelous life experience. Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., CUNY - College of Staten Island) - abroad from 07/02/2013 to 08/01/2013 with

CUNY - College of Staten Island: Rome - Study Abroad at American University of Rome

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about a new culture and how being calm and relaxed lets you enjoy the simple things in life more.

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

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? About 50 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up as much as possible as you can, so when you get there you aren't concerned about money. Also, convert your money at your home bank before you leave. It will save a lot with exchange fees. If you need to use an ATM take out a large about at once, for example 300 euro. This way you will not get slammed with atm fees.

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? 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? High school was the last time I took another language
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? Just go over simple phrases so you aren't completely clueless when you get there.

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?
  • Living in the apartment
* What could be improved?
  • The introduction could be more informative
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How many people speak english

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.