The American University of Rome — Attraction in Rome

I cannot speak for the undergraduate school, but I was extremely disappointed with the faculty and graduate program overall. I felt I was deliberately set up for failure and misled about the supports I would receive. My advisor repeatedly failed to show for meetings and left emails partially answered if she replied at all, as though she could not be bothered to read through my questions and thoughts. She gave substantial feedback on my full thesis only after my defense. My program director openly insulted my intelligence during my thesis presentation and added assignments to her classes without updating the syllabi (she had emailed. I had contacted student services prior to the beginning of the year to update my email, but communications went to an inbox I can no longer access all the same. I frequently was left off of email communications from the school.). We were assured that AUR has internship connections around the world, only to find out halfway through the program that we were responsible for securing our own internships and that AUR couldn't do much for us outside of Rome. The one internship AUR offered which was connected to my thesis topic went to another student who was studying something else. We were discouraged from utilising the Career and Internships Office to help find leads. I chose a small university in the hope that I would not be lost in a crowd, that I would be supported and guided in the research process. I was not anticipating conducting research entirely independently, at a school that doesn't even provide access to most online databases and doesn't publish theses. What a waste of $20k. I am, frankly, surprised that AUR has accreditation. I urge anyone contemplating graduate school to investigate thoroughly his program of choice and not merely take it at its word. I should note that there are a handful of absolutely wonderful staff and faculty, without whom I would have lost all hope in the very institution of academia. My deepest thanks go out to them for getting me through the day on my...

My housing experience with AUR was extremely disappointing—so much so that I ultimately withdrew from the program, despite enjoying the travel opportunities and social aspects. Upon arrival, our apartment was in unacceptable condition. There was leftover food in the refrigerator, dirt and trash throughout the unit, unclean beds, and visible stains on the walls. Shortly after moving in, we discovered a cockroach infestation and even live rodents. Despite repeatedly requesting a professional exterminator or alternative housing, my concerns were ignored until I personally went to the Student Life office in tears after finding more than ten cockroaches in my bathroom. Phone calls I made about the issue were disregarded entirely. Additionally, the housing amenities were not as advertised. The apartments were promoted as having air conditioning in the common areas, yet there was none. AUR also stated that towels and bed linens would be provided for each student; however, only some of my roommates received them, and those that were provided were molded and unusable. Overall, my experience with AUR housing was misrepresented and mishandled. The lack of cleanliness, pest control, and responsiveness created an unlivable environment. I would strongly recommend that students consider other institutions that prioritize their well-being and deliver on...

I graduated as a part of the Class of 2018 in the Business Administration program. Coming to AUR was one of the best decisions I have ever made and my experienced can be summed up in two ways...

First and foremost was my peers. I was able to meet and become friends with great young people from all over the globe. Meeting so many different people from different cultural upbringings really helped to expand my perspective as an individual.

The second aspect was my fantastic professors. The best thing about the business program at AUR is all of the great professors who have decades of practical experience in the business world. They don't just preach from the ivory towers of business theory; instead they bring forth a plethora of knowledge that will allow you to become successful when you join the workforce.

Aside from school, integrating in a foreign culture with a different language is not for the faint of heart. IF you do come abroad, which I highly recommend, don't live like you do at home. Don't surround yourself with your familiar friends 24/7. Go out and take a risk, make new friends, and who knows you might just have the time...