Unforgettable Past Review

By (Boston College) - abroad from 01/18/2016 to 05/11/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself. You are with people so much but you really learn how to be alone and support yourself. I had never been far from home and now feel older and more mature. The whole experience is definitely worthwhile-- you will make amazing memories and meet so many great people. No one will ever understand your experience and that's not a bad thing! It's something that will always be special to you and the friends you make. Living in Rome definitely made me appreciate growing up in the United States but definitely showed me there is so much beauty in the world we live in that I really needed to see. I can't wait to go back and visit!

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:

* 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

AUR was a great mix of international and American students. Rome is a beautiful city and easy to get around. The city made me extremely comfortable-- something I really needed in my experience abroad.

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? 50 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Weekend trips start to add it. I wish I had done some research before even leaving the U.S. (definitely don't book anything because things change quickly) but I wish I had looked up prices just to get an idea how much things would cost. Sometimes you spend a lot of money your first few trips and you don't have anything left over. You can definitely travel for cheap in Europe- you just need to be smart when booking. Also, buy groceries!!! Groceries are very cheap in Rome. You obviously want to eat at the amazing restaurants, but don't spend all of your money going out to eat. Your bank account will regret going out to eat for every meal.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • School was a great place to meet other students
  • Living in an apartment away from school was a great way to learn about the Italian culture
  • School work was not that rigorous so I had time to travel and explore the city
* What could be improved?
  • Students very dependent on themselves
  • More resources about travel
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about travel

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A 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.