The best study abroad experience Past Review

By (University of Texas - El Paso) - abroad from 01/28/2008 to 12/19/2008 with

The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was definitely worthwhile.

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 academic environment is very rigorous and challenging however being exposed to such international expertise made me provide more effort.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The American University of Rome staff and faculty are the friendliest and most helpful people I have ever encountered as a student. They always make time for you and are never too busy to answer questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I shared my apartment with 5 other students and I was afraid that it was going to be very small however the apartments are very spacious and we never had a problem. It was really nice to get to know my roommates. I enjoyed that we had a cleaning lady that comes once a week and free wireless internet. My apartment was within walking distance from campus and therefore I was never late to class.

* Food:

I loved it! There's nothing better than pizza and pasta!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It wasn't very easy to integrate with the local community because I spent so much time with my roommates however the people I encountered at the grocery store and on the public transportation were always very nice.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We were given an emergency phone number that we could use had anything urgent happen to us. There was also a doctor available on campus free of charge. There is also an international hospital right around the corner from campus but thankfully I had no problems.

* Safety:

Rome is a safe city though I never walked alone at night, I always went out with my roomamtes.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 100
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I loved the campus location and the exposure to so many people from all over the world
* What could be improved?
  • I would advise the American University of Rome to have a bigger student lounge
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I was informed better on the use of public transportation