Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I finally met a Luigi. Past Review

By (Classical Studies, Trinity University) - abroad from 02/02/2015 to 05/22/2015 with

IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learning a new language, culture and how to make several dishes of their delicious food. I learned more about my faith and ancient history. It was totally worthwhile to live amongst not just Italians but Romans and be able to walk amongst the ancient ruins everyday if I wanted to! As well as become friends with several locals and knowing that I have a place to stay upon a future visit in Rome!

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.

It was fairly rigorous program, more so than I had intended but it was a good experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All the staff were very lovely.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Home stay was the better option and I am so glad I picked it. This was the reason I chose IES because it gave me the option to be more immersed in the culture in this regard.

* Food:

Great food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt totally integrated but mainly because I took it upon myself to get to know locals.The program did a good job for people who were not as adventurous but really the only locals you met were the ISCs and your professors unless you did so on your own.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was never sick so I cannot really comment.

* Safety:

Felt perfectly safe.

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)

5

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? maybe 50-60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Limit yourself. Take out a lot of money as to avoid withdraw expenses from the ATMs but use plastic bags to separate a certain amount per week.

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

5. However most students did not, which is there loss.

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? None
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? Host family. Frequent chats with staff. Local restaurants to name a few. However I learned and practiced most of my Italian from local parishioners from any of the Catholic Churches I visited (and my prayers!)

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?
  • Area Studies
  • staff
  • courses provided
* What could be improved?
  • Back up checks on professors and their teaching style
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew Italian before my arrival. I wish I had better clothing for the rain.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'