Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Storybook Summer in Rome Past Review

By (Finance, Pennsylvania State University - University Park) - abroad from 05/28/2014 to 07/25/2014 with

IES Abroad: Rome - Summer Internship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The IES Rome Summer Internship Program gave me the opportunity to broaden my horizons, and grow as a person. The program lasted about two months, and in those two months I traveled throughout Italy, formed new friendships, and adapted to a different culture. It was worthwhile in every way possible, and I hope to travel back to Italy as soon as possible! All in all, I was more than delighted with the program and would recommend it to any and everyone. If you are looking for a program that will help you grow professionally and personally, allow you to explore and travel new cities, and create relationships and memories that will last a lifetime, this is the program for you!

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Rome - Academic Summer Internship Programs Photo IES Abroad: Rome - Academic Summer Internship Programs Photo IES Abroad: Rome - Academic Summer Internship Programs Photo IES Abroad: Rome - Academic Summer Internship Programs Photo IES Abroad: Rome - Academic Summer Internship Programs Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES Rome staff was very helpful in every way possible!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in apartments which really helped immerse us into the culture.

* Food:

The food was amazing and fresh.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I became ill while abroad and the medical staff at IES in Rome was amazing. They made sure I got the help I needed as quickly as possible, and accompanied me to everywhere I had to go.

* Safety:

I felt very safe, but I continued to stay street smart throughout my time there.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save before you go, and plan to spend a lot if you enjoy traveling, shopping, and eating out!

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 400 level
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? Listen to the language and try to understand. Take it slow!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • I loved how the social and nightlife scenes expanded my knowledge and admiration of the wonderful city.
  • I loved the atmosphere and culture of Italy, and everything it has to offer.
* What could be improved?
  • The cell phone situation was not the best, for we needed a cell phone for the program, however I think there could have been a better way to go about it. I ended up signing a cell phone plan for my time there, but I wish I knew more options before I went, for it would have saved me a decent amount of money.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much I would enjoy it and not be afraid to stay for longer. Also, I wish I thought to travel after the program ended to see more of Europe.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.