Italian Adventure Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 02/01/2012 to 05/18/2012 with

IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a fantastic experience and I have learned much about myself and how to take care of myself with limited resources. I would highly recommend it. Rome was a challenge to get around but such an exciting place to live. What an adventure!

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.

The classes were less rigorous than regular university classes. The library was also very small and there were few outside resources available.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a fantastic home stay experience. The family was wonderful and very accommodating.

* 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? $130

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

Everyone was required to take an Italian class but outside of the classroom we rarely used Italian.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3 semesters of Italian
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? If you live with a home stay, practice your language with them as often as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The host family
  • The location
  • The internship program
* What could be improved?
  • The cultural integration
  • The classes
  • Cultural excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would tell people to ask questions whenever you need anything. In Rome there are no 'super centers' or 'one stop shopping.' Rome is not a convenient city to live in, but anything can be found if you ask someone who knows.