An amazing experiene that will teach you about yourself and the world Past Review

By (Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, High Point University) - abroad from 01/20/2015 to 05/12/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained maturity and self-confidence in my ability to problem solve, travel throughout the world, and much more. This was the most worthwhile thing I have ever done for myself. I truly came back to the States a changed and more grown up person.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The education at AUR was okay, but I definitely feel that I am getting a better education at my home university.

* 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?

The school is mostly study abroad students, so you really have to make a personal effort to get to know locals or immerse yourself in the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There is a doctor on-site at the school.

* 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)

Save your money up before you leave!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20-30 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a savings account specifically for studying abroad about a year in advance to when you want to go abroad and start saving as much money as possible.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 200
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? Rosetta Stone will teach you far more Italian than the language professors at AUR.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The ability to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Better professors at the university
  • A roommate/personality quiz to better match roommates together
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You will have bad days and hard moments, but joy is always right around the corner.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'