Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Eye-Opening Experience of Myself and the inspiring World we Live In Past Review

By (Purdue University) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/19/2014 with

IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so many valuable skills that can be applied to my everyday life no matter where I am living. The greatest thing I learned abroad was how big the world is yet how people at the core all really are the same, even if they have lived completely different lives. After traveling and seeing how other people live and interact with each other, the global commonality is the desire to enjoy each and everyday with people you love. Living in a country that did not speak my native language also allowed me to gain a greater understanding of immigrants In the United States and the difficulties my grandparents faced so many years ago when they traveled to America. I learned these lessons and so much more being abroad the experience was so much more than I could have ever hoped it would be.

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.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around 20 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring a large amount of euros with you before you travel because it will be less stressful than continuing to have to go to the ATM or having a period without money at some point on the trip

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? Intermediate
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? a 300 level course
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? Whenever there is a possibility to speak the native language, be sure to speak it! Watch local TV and listen to other people communicate. Surrounding yourself with the language is the greatest and fastest way to truly understand the language

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?
  • The Location
  • My Host Family
  • My Courses
* What could be improved?
  • Host family students could have had more resources in the beginning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how expensive everyday life would be so I could plan accordingly

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.