A very amazing time of growth and discovery Past Review

By (Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/04/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

ICCS / Centro: Rome - The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the professional practices and applications of my chosen majors, and how other people of other countries live their lives.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program was quite academically rigorous, as there was much research and writing to be done while we conducted our trips throughout Italy.

* 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?

I loved the chance to live in the city of Rome, but I felt unable to grasp a complete immersion in the local culture. We felt somewhat isolated at times from the local population.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Simply, travel the city with people you know and know where you're going.

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? $50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? take advantage of free public transportation. Try to avoid taxis.

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

The program had an optional Italian class. Other than that, there were no other serious attempts from the program to encourage our use of the Italian 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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? LAT 365
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Use the language as much as possible, both with your fellow students and the natives of that country. Many natives will encourage you to practice their language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Living in a foreign country
  • My fellow students
* What could be improved?
  • Cultural immersion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had learned more of the native language before I had left.

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!