IES Rome: Summer of my dreams Past Review

By (Ancient History and Classical Civilization, The University of Texas at Austin) for

IES Abroad: Rome Summer - Language & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I studied Classics in school, so living in Rome for two months was a dream come true. I am doing my student teaching right now for Latin; therefore, I am able to share my pictures and experience with my students. Rome was everything I wanted it to be and more. Studying abroad is something everyone should do.

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.

Workload was manageable, much lower than a Fall or Spring semester back home. Grading system and teaching methods were normal and very similar to my home university. I did not experience many differences in the educational system because I was with a program with entirely American students. My professors were both Italian, but there was little to no language barrier.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Program size was wonderful. Only 33 of us. We all got to know each other and had a really fun and close-knit group. Everyone that worked at IES was helpful with questions about Rome and suggestions on what to do and where to go.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food in Italy is amazing! I haven't quite adjusted to eating American food again. Everything is fresh and we often went to the farmers market to buy fresh cheese, fruit and vegetables.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I saw Lady Gaga at the Circus Maximus for the Rome Gay Pride parade. It was an amazing and once and a lifetime experience. We also took a weekend trip to the Amalfi Coast with the entire program. The program led field trip was included in the program cost and they showed us a good time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Rome is a fairly safe city. I didn't walk around alone at night, but I wouldn't do that at home. In Europe it is important to have a watchful eye on your bag and always be aware of your surroundings.

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? The international cell phones that we were required to have were more expensive than I anticipated. I wish that I would have looked into an international plan before I left.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I did not have any Italian language courses prior to departure.
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced the language with my Italian roommate and both of my professors (both were Italian). I used my Italian everyday when out and about in Rome, but most people spoke English. I tried to speak Italian whenever possible to have a real Italian experience.

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Organized
  • Interesting classes and field studies
  • Fun
* What could be improved?
  • More pre-departure information