Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

would go back 110% Past Review

By (Johns Hopkins University) - abroad from 01/28/2018 to 05/10/2018 with

IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Soooo many things like learning more Italian, making lasting connections, learning to cook, learning to travel better, developing spiritually, etc. It was definitely worthwhile and everyone should have the chance to study abroad!

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies Photo IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies Photo IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were wonderful and very challenging personally!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very fun and available most of the time, save some issues

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

So clean and a blast being with a family, would recommend it over anything especially to learn the language and culture

* Food:

It's Italy, need i say more

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

So much because of the family I was with and independence to travel and explore on my own!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never really got a chance to use it but friends found it so-so because it just takes long and medication/care is expensive since co-pay was around 100$

* Safety:

The program did a good job keeping track of where we were and knowledgeable on what to do in case something happens.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved the classes and flexibility with choosing them according to my desires and majors! Rome is so central and the perfect place to just explore on your own!

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)

Oh it was very doable as long as I was budgeting and keeping track of my expenses

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of EVERYTHING you spend on your phone and set limits on when and where you can spend. For me, I wasn't allowed to go into stores unless i had a specific thing I was going to buy and only spent on weekends (minus food) and ate out minimally during the week to learn to cook.

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? Intermediate 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? Always practice, even with your friends. Also, choose homestay over apartment because you practice more and get good food!

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?
  • Host family
  • Class selection
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Staff Attentiveness
  • Selectivity of Students
  • Focus on Language
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What not to bring with me (heels) and more patience especially with students who didn't take the program seriously.

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.