Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Gateway to Europe Past Review

By (Political Science, The American University of Rome) - abroad from 01/21/2015 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?
The best part of studying in Rome was the ability to experience other cultures as long as you put in the effort. Rome is a very lived-in city, and we lived in an area without a touristy feel. The airport was very easy to get to, and I know that other places in Italy don't have the same luxury. Because of that, I was able to fly to seven different countries. Now that I'm home, I feel like the cultural exposure has sort of fleshed me out as a person. I understand more about the world, and because of that I understand more about me. AUR made that experience possible with its help and advice for traveling abroad and its proximity to the travel hub that is Rome.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't blow all your money on good food in the first couple of weeks, even though it's really tempting.

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? 0

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

  • 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?
  • Ease of access to transportation
  • Quality of classes
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • More exposure to local residents
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Some places are more conducive to clubbing than sightseeing, and vice-versa. Know which is which and what you should plan for.

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!