Seven Weeks of Art History Heaven Past Review

By (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 05/25/2016 to 07/13/2016 with

IES Abroad: Multi-Location Summer - Museums & Beyond: Art & Culture in Paris, Rome & Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learning about the art and histories of Paris, Rome, and Madrid were simply some of the most amazing educational experiences I could have asked for, and immersing myself into the cultures of these bustling cities was also incredibly important for my own world views and self growth. There's no need for textbooks and glossy printed pictures of masterpieces when you can have class with the artwork itself. Truly amazing and I am forever grateful for this program and the opportunities it gave me. It's definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Multi-Location Summer - Museums & Beyond: Art & Culture in Paris, Rome & Madrid Photo IES Abroad: Multi-Location Summer - Museums & Beyond: Art & Culture in Paris, Rome & Madrid Photo IES Abroad: Multi-Location Summer - Museums & Beyond: Art & Culture in Paris, Rome & Madrid Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was a full course load, but didn't feel like too much to handle! A lot of information but totally doable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

This was only the second year of this program. I could see things they were trying out for the first time, but that's ok! They were trying to make the best experience possible.

* 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

My time abroad can easily be described as the most amazing experience of my life. It's scary, of course, to commit to seven weeks in three separate countries, but it was so worth it. This program is amazing and I loved getting to experience the three cities in my time 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)

Paris is a very expensive city -- hard to survive there with a student's budget in any program. Rome and Madrid were more reasonable though!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Know a big part of your budget is going to be spent on everyday expenses like food and transportation costs. Paris is expensive so budget your money around that.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • 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?
  • Immersion
  • Class on Location
  • Small, Intimate Class Size
* What could be improved?
  • Courseload
  • Communication Between Cities
  • Parisian Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's ok to travel outside your host city! Take these weekend opportunities to get out and explore!

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!