Unforgettable and Life Changing Past Review

By (Ithaca College) - 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 amazing. i learned so much about my self, personal growth and all about an amazing city and culture. I never knew what it meant to love a city until i went to Roma! My possibilities are endless now.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Wish they could have been transfer credits or that I could still have that option as an affiliated program. Felt I had to study too much for my last week in Rome instead of embracing my last week in the beautiful city.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

very friendly and communicative

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

my homestay was amazing and I lived in Trastevere aka the best place ever!

* Food:

you're in italy... cant beat it

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

i loved their attitude about everything, how they dressed, ate, drove.. its crazy and wild but i wish i could live there permanently

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Keep a hold onto your things and always be aware. I never got pickpocketed, but I know a lot of people who did.

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)

Save up your money.. you will spend all of it

* 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? 30 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? dont get cafe everyday, dont get gelato everyday.. its the little things that add up. think about where you want to travel too. make a list of places you have to go and save money especially for those trips.

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

I loved using it!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? no Italian ever
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? use it as much as possible, go into stores and just ask basic questions but if its before you go abroad download apps or something

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • seeing sites for class
  • hostfamily
  • learning the language
* What could be improved?
  • more events the program does
  • clarification about when the program ends that you dont have to fly home, and can travel
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? to make my credits be transfer so i wouldnt have to worry about gpa