All Roads Lead to Rome Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The course work at the American University of Rome, specifically the Classics and Archaeology classes, were both challenging and interesting. Compared to the University of Maine's education system, it was only slightly more difficult, but overall was very similar in required work, such as papers, exams and presentations.

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration of my program was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They were always available for advice and help. Most importantly to me was the fact that they were so nice. It was welcoming, especially being in a foreign country, to have a group of people who knew a lot about the are and were eager to help make the most out of my experience.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing arrangements were great! The apartment came fully furnished with everything imaginable, except fans, and was clean. A cleaning lady came every week which was a huge help. The apartment was far enough away from campus where we were surrounded by Italian families but close enough to walk and for easy transport.

Obviously, when in Italy you have to eat the pizza, pasta, and gelato as much as possible! But you have to eat all of it and try something new every time. The food of the Italian culture is an incredibly important aspect to life and thus, you must indulge and enjoy every bit of it. Have a relationship with your food every meal! In Trastevere, Rome, there is a fantastic restaurant called Mapi. The owner is incredibly friendly and loud and just amazing!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I travelled almost every weekend during my program. I loved Rome, and was able to enjoy it during the week; however, come Friday, I was traveling with friends. On my own I travelled to Cinque Terre, Budapest, Dublin, Berlin, Nice, Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, and London, and with the help of the arranged trips by my program, I was able to go to Florence, Sorrento, Capri, and Pompeii. Traveling throughout Europe is relatively cheap and completely worth it!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

While in Rome I felt relatively safe; however, being in a foreign country I was always aware of my surroundings. Pick-pockets are extremely common and so you have to be conscious of your belongings.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

My program required taking an Italian course; however, it was primarily culture, thus in order to improve language skills I would recommend the extra-curricular groups that focus on learning the Italian language through emersion.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

• The planned trips were great and well organized.

• Providing fans in the apartments for the hot weather as well as extra blankets for the cold weather.