Great classes and internship while enjoying Rome and Europe Past Review
By A student (Kenyon College) - abroad from 09/03/2018 to 12/13/2018 with
IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies
The courses at IES allowed me to further my studies in political science by studying both classic political philosophers like Macchiavelli and the current events and systems of modern Italian politics. IES also connected me with a great internship working for The International Spectator, Italy's oldest English-language of international affairs, where I worked as an editorial assistant in charge of communications and social media. The internship gave me excellent work experience and professional insight into the current dynamics of European politics. And even while studying and working, I still had ample time to explore the city of Rome during the week and to travel to different parts of Europe during the weekend. I was able to immerse myself in Italian culture and become more deeply connected to my Italian heritage and identity.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Did not demand rigorous work ethic, but has resources available if students wished to expand studies further |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Beautiful apartment in Prati, one of the most expensive areas of Rome, with a beautiful walk to class pass the Castle Sant Angelo every day. |
| * Food: |
You must buy your own food, but all the food in Rome is delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
IES gave me the chance to live with an Italian student roommate, who helped me to assimilate into the Roman culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I already miss Rome and would absolutely choose to go back and do the program at IES again, as it hosted great classes, connected me with a good internship, and gave me time to explore the beautiful city of Rome. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | One year of beginner 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? | Practice on your own everyday, not just studying but speaking the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I know now how essential it is to know italian language if you really want to assimilate and become a part of Italian culture. I would suggest taking a very intensive semester of italian before coming to Italy. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Politics of Power in the Land of Machiavelli |
| Course Department: | Political Science/Philosophy |
| Instructor: | Prof. Alberto Bitoni |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Very interesting course that covers The Prince by Machiavelli and the 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. Teacher did a good job of explaining the texts and giving us important takeaways on the philosophy of power. Also included field trips around Rome. Was assessed via papers, presentations, and exams. |
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