The best Abroad Experience I could have asked for! Past Review
By Michael M (Earth and Environmental Science, Boston College) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 12/12/2013 with
The American University of Rome: Rome - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
During my time at AUR I learned how to be an international citizen. I began to value other cultures more than ever before and I adopted parts of other people's lifestyles that I had never been exposed to before. I learned how to interact with all different types of people and I began to value social adaptability more and more. In the classroom I learned a lot about political systems and the psychology behind political leaders and movements. I also learned about what parts of American lifestyle that I hope to change upon my integration back into the US.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes I took gave me cultural and international insight, exactly what I was looking for going abroad. Through my classes I learned about Italian culture and what it means to be an American in an international environment. I felt my academic experience was rigorous and rewarding. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved having an apartment with fellow students while being immersed in a building filled with Italians. I also valued how the AUR apartments are located in authentically Italian neighborhoods separate from the touristy part of town. |
| * Food: |
I have missed the true Italian food every day since I have returned home. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt in danger once. I always made sure to travel with friends, especially at night, but never once was involved in any dangerous situations. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Approximately 80 Euro when I stayed in Rome. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had a greater understanding of the Italian way of life so that I could integrate myself into the culture with more ease. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
