AIFS Abroad in Rome, Italy: Semester

I went to Rome last Summer and had the time of y life! The classes I took were both helpful and academically rich. I learned many great things and the professors were a great help with things like how to get around, places to et and see, and going advice on how to fit into the Rome culture. I traveled with a fiend and they put us in the same apartment, which was a wonderful place. The living conditions were clean and safe. The thing I really liked about this program was the opportunity to spend a few days in London on the way over and the excersions that were available. The school also had many activities we could choose to participate in while in Rome like cooking classes, wine tasting, a night at the theatre, and beach trips. The staff was wonderfully friendly and helpful. They were fun to be around and it was obvious they really wanted us to enjoy our time abroad. I highly recommend this program!

This program is fully focused on the student. The staff and faculty are excellent and do their very best to provide the students with an unforgettable experience with all aspects of living and studying abroad.

Going to Rome with the Richmond program was amazing. I was prepared for the trip from the very beginning, thanks to the AIFS representative. Everyday was a new adventure and I had a great time just exploring the city and the rest of Italy. There was a good balance of school work and free time. I never had to skip something because I had too much homework. Housing was great. People were located all over the city so you could spend time in different neighborhoods, and you could interact with real Italians who were your neighbors. Overall I wouldn't trade my experience with Richmond in Rome for anything else.

I really don't know where to begin describing my experience in Rome during the Summer of 2011. The AIFS team worked very diligently in making my dream a reality for the summer. Once in Rome, the Richmond staff were all very friendly and eager to aide us in our summer adventures. I met amazing students from all across America, some of which I still keep in contact with and visit frequently. The program itself was wonderful because included in your fees, are vouchers for meals (and drinks!), housing, and a side trip to Florence. I felt as though I got the most bang for my buck and I avidly recommend this program to anyone interested in studying abroad while in college!

Studying abroad through AIFS in Rome was easily one of the most rewarding, exciting, fun adventures I have ever embarked on. From living in Trastevere with many local Italians to walking through Campo Di Fiori to get to class everyday, AIFS integrated you into the Roman lifestyle and equipped you with the tools to have the best semester of your life. Not only did our meal plan work at over 3,000 restaurants in Rome so we could enjoy the local cuisine, but they arranged weekend trips for our entire program to both explore Italian culture outside of Rome and also get to know and interact with the other kids in our program. My semester in Rome with AIFS was the perfect 4 month Roman Holiday that I will never forget.

Aifs Richmond in Rome was the best decision I've ever made. The staff was so helpful and gave so much information regarding the area and what to expect. Each apartment was unique so you could end up with a small, but air conditioned apartment, or a huge non-air conditioned one. Either way, it always worked out and everyone seemed to be happy with their apartment. I was able to take the tram to school, but I also could easily walk. Busses and trams are always available and easy to navigate. And of course the city is beautiful! School is a 5 minute walk from the Pantheon. I passed the location of Caesar's stabbing every single day. There is so much history in everything you do and see; it is incredible! We also loved the FOOD. You'd think you might get tired of pizza and pasta every day...but we didn't! Since I've been back in the U.S., I cannot find anything that compares. Another good thing about this program is the meal tickets. They are a lifesaver and can be used almost anywhere around the city. One piece of advice is to not being that many pairs of shoes (and no heels if you are a girl!). I learned this the hard way bringing a ridiculous amount of shoes and only wearing a few pairs. And the cobblestone will ruin any heels you try to wear!

After two weeks in Florence in one hotel, we were all a little weary to go to Rome and be split up. It wasn't as bad as we thought though! We were still able to see each other all the time, and made such great friends. I loved it!

Ciao!

If you to partake in a adventure with other students that will allow you explore 3,000 years of history to experience the life, culture, and all aspects of the Romanian society. Would I go again? I would go again in a heart beat and I even have talked about a reunion with the students from my program. Their is never a dual moment, the program has a different opportunity almost every night of the week. From the Ballet of Swan Lake, cooking classes, dinner night with Romanians, wine night, Happy Hour with the AIFS staff, tours, group dinners, the extensive meal ticket package, the weekend gateways (well worth it), many more events that would take to long to write, and of course, the amazing Director Rosanna Graziani.

The experience was so amazing even though I did lose my luggage in which Ms. Graziani helped me receive it back.

I loved my experience with the AIFS Study Abroad Program at Richmond in Rome. They offered great support prior to departure and also while overseas. I never felt like they left us completely on our own, but they did treat us like adults making our own decisions and held us accountable which was a great learning experience. Housing was great, and I really loved all the apartments I saw while over there. The classes were different, but professors were understanding and good to work with. I also loved the extra stuff Richmond offered, and it really helped to immerse yourself in the culture. I also volunteered and that was a great experience. Overall, I could not have asked for a better program to study abroad with.