When in Rome Past Review

By (Central Michigan University) - abroad from 01/27/2014 to 05/14/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying in Rome especially at The American University of Rome was the best decision I have ever made. It is such a small university which was nice, because you really got to know the other students. The faculty and staff of AUR make sure to do anything they absolutely can to make sure you have the best experience possible. I am definitely sad to see things come to an end, but I wouldn't trade this experience for anything! Ci vediamo più tardy Roma!

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)

I had saved up plenty of money, and I think I did a good job budgeting, but I could definitely tell it was the end of my trip due to my current bank account status.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 85 Euro for the week?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely save as much as you can. As a study abroad, travel is obviously very important. Just make sure you budget and look for the best deals.

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? Four years of Spanish
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? I wish I would have known about the app called Duolingo before leaving for this trip. People I know were a lot more knowledgable about it.

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

  • 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?
  • Campus
  • School Activities
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • Apartment Living
  • Some Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the language before coming. I learned quite a bit and everything I needed to know from my Italian course, but being a bit more prepared would have been nice. I also wish I would have done more research on money options.

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.