An Adventure! Past Review

By (Classical and Ancient Studies, Ashland University) - abroad from 08/28/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It made me more comfortable in my abilities to be on my own. It was a worthwhile experience that I would love to do again!

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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:

Italian food is amazing!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

By the end of the semester the local restaurant and shop keepers recognized me and other students and were sad to see us go.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did get sick twice. The school had a free doctor for students. He was helpful and quick. No special vaccines were needed.

* 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 would get out 80 Euro a week and normally wouldn't spend it all unless I went out or needed a lot of groceries. I did spend more when I would travel on the weekend.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Limiting how much I allowed myself to spend per week and on trips was extremely helpful. It is easy to conserve money as long as you pay attention.

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? None.
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? Don't be scared to mess up. Most people appreciate you at least trying to communicate in their 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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • I saw the Pope!
  • The class size and teachers.
  • The new experiences.
* What could be improved?
  • Telling students how to get to and from school the first time.
  • Mix people from different schools more to avoid them forming a group.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Coming from a town in rural Ohio I wish I had known how to get around using public transportation. It was a real struggle the first couple times since I had never used it.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!