CIS Abroad - Semester in Rome - American University of Rome

My experience studying abroad in Rome was unforgettable. Rome is a city rich in history; with breathtaking views of the Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, and Roman Forum along cobblestone streets. Apart from the famous and well-known artwork and architecture painting the city, finding the hidden gems of the city was the best part. I can tell you where to find the best coffee, pizza, and gelato away from the tourist hot spots. I can tell you how to connect with the local community despite a language barrier. The best part of studying abroad is immersing yourself in all that the city has to offer; for me, that was stepping outside the comfortable and familiar destinations, and allowing myself to assimilate into the community as more than just another tourist. I said some of the hardest goodbyes to the friends and memories I made along the way, but they will never be forgotten. It truly was a sweet life!

Rome itself was a beautiful city rich with history, good food, and the hustle of city life that I was looking for. The public transportation made daily life very easy and the small size of the program and school I was studying in provided a closer community that made such a big city feel close knit. The classes I was taking were both interesting and of low difficulty allowing for ample time to actually enjoy myself. Cost of living was also lower than I have experienced in the States. The program also provided many excursions and dinners that provided experiences I would not have otherwise had if I were planning everything myself. The location of housing they provided was exactly where one would want to be while visiting Rome and was amongst locals to receive a full immersive experience.

Going into the semester, I had very little experience outside the country, in addition, I was going without anyone I had known previously. Thanks to CIS, though, my experience not only went smoothly, but was truly a life changing. To show just how helpful CIS was, the day I was supposed to fly out to Rome, my flight was delayed three times and I missed my connection to Rome. It was rescheduled, but I was a day behind my arrival and was missing my airport pick-up time. I reached out to Elizabeth Tyrie, my CIS on-site director. She got in contact with AUR and my ride from the airport was rescheduled, taking a major worry off my plate. She stayed in contact with me, making sure that I arrived. They were supportive before I had even arrived.

Once I landed all of my other worries quickly disappeared. All but one of my six roommates were with CIS as well, meaning we were able to help each other get our feet on the ground in Rome. The housing, while a bit crowded, ended being much better than I could have even hoped for given the amount of people living in the apartment. I had heard that AUR tends to put students in the same programs together, which wound out working out very well. Rome was also a fantastic place to travel from. The location of my apartment in Trastevere was five minutes from the train station which was a thirty minute ride from the airport. That means I could pack a backpack, go to a new country for the weekend, and be back by sunday. There were also CIS trips and activities organized by Elizabeth, which are discussed more later in the review. I will mention the Going Away dinner she organized before we left, where everyone in our group shared a final meal in Rome together. It was a really nice send off to the semester, not to mention getting to enjoy some absolutely fantastic food.

The academics at American University of Rome suited my needs perfectly. I wanted a few classes that filled my major requirements, which were business classes and political science classes. I also wanted at least one class to learn more about Rome, which AUR also had many offerings for. My professors were really attentive and cared about the material they were teaching. I felt like I could approach them if I needed to and the grading was very fair.

The main point of this review is to emphasize the level of support CIS and my on-site director provided myself and my fellow travelers, as well as emphasize how all the different elements of the experience combined to make such a special time of my life. The bond we built as a group was so special, that Rome went from somewhere I had never been and with no one I knew, to becoming a whole new home to me.

When you tell people your ethnicity, do you really know what that entails?
Last fall, I got to experience four months in the place my grandmother, and other relatives lived. Italy. Being Italian American, I had always wished to go to Italy to see what exactly it meant to be Italian. Luckily, I couldn't have experienced it any better, thanks to CISabroad. CISabroad had blessed me with such a phenomenal experience, and as I studied in Rome, I was also learning the culture, food, politics, and social happenings, thanks to my amazing CISabroad advisor. During my stay, I even had the opportunity to play for a football club, competing with and against local Roman men! I have never felt so confident meeting people, going places, and seeing things, and I owe it all to CISabroad.

My semester in Rome with CIS was easily my favorite semester of college. A year later, I am reminiscing on the incredible experience I embarked on last January. I immediately felt at home even though I was in a different country because of how the program gets you acclimated to your new city and school. What I thought was really cool about CIS was how they incorporate excursions around Rome and Italy with your group to show you the beauty of your new home at no extra cost. The school was great for my interests, which include international relations and business. Rome proved to be a center location with access to all of Italy and abroad, thanks to the easy-to-use train system and multiple airports within the city. Rome is like a second home to me, I can't wait to go back!

I chose the Semester in Rome with CISabroad. The pickup from the airport when I arrived was definitely very helpful, especially since I was in an unfamiliar place. The housing location was also very good; close to the city center and many great local places. It was a nice distance from American University of Rome, too, which was appreciated. As for the quality of the program, it was ok. Only 1 excursion was included in the price of the program which was disappointing. I know a few other people from a different program and they had all the excursions included. The small day trips with our CISabroad handler was pretty nice as well. Our guide was knowledgeable and very nice. I kept in contact with her throughout the semester if I needed anything and she was usually pretty prompt in answering. One thing I didn't like about the program was the number of people enrolled. There was literally 6 of us and it was odd. I expected more people in our program. It's not necessarily CIS's fault, but that's something to keep in mind. If anyone is expecting a large 30+ group of people, they might be disappointed.

My study abroad experience was once in a lifetime. My program was helpful, kind, sincere, fun, and loving! Anything I needed assistance with CIS was there to help. I traveled to over 15 countries and 20+ cities worldwide. I met the best group of friends that I still keep in touch with and am planning a reunion this summer! I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the Italian culture, learning about the food, language, the people, and overall everyday lifestyle. I felt as if I was at home! After this program, I am much more independent, aware of myself and the world around me and so much more grateful! My favorite memory has to be going to the bars with my friends and singing our classic karaoke song- Sweet Caroline. My study abroad experience was one I will NEVER FORGET! Thank you CIS!

I had an incredible 4 months in Rome, a city that quickly became my beloved home. CISabroad helped make a great experience something unforgettable, with the friends and experiences I had thanks to CISabroad. The balance between school and free time was perfect, and school was a lot better than I thought it would be. I never thought I would travel and see so many places; however, I could have spent my whole time in Rome and still have been extremely content. Best 4 months of my life.