Exploring Italy with lots of Americans Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Ithaca College) for

IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I would definitely choose to go to Italy again but maybe not with IES... It was really easy to just interact with other American students. If you want to just hang out and be merry in Italy, then go with IES but if you are really looking for a big cultural experience, go somewhere else.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a homestay. It was an interesting experience... having to communicate in another language was a big hurdle. At times I felt like it was very constricting but I think it was cool to be able to interact and learn from an Italian family. It was a mixed bag. <br /><br />

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Finances

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Traveling, as you probably already guessed, is very expensive. Hostels, flights/train rides, entrance fees and food really add up. Food in general could be kind of expensive as well.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Americans