An Amazing Journey Past Review

By (Urban Studies/Affairs., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/31/2012 to 07/20/2012 with

IES Abroad: Rome Summer - Language & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more of the Italian language and was assured that my plans to move to Italy were for the right reasons and was really something that I want

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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?

* 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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? keep a budget and stick to it

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? Advanced
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? ITL 329
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? Dont give up trying to talk to people in Italian even if they answer in English because if they are able to answer you that means they understood. Dont give up!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 with an Italian student
  • working in an architecture firm
  • emerging myself in the italian culture
* What could be improved?
  • inform the students of what they will be doing sooner
  • cordinate schedules for class with working times better
  • have more students that speak italian
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew not to pack so many hills and to leave room for things that I would bring back