Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had the time of my life Past Review

By (University of Iowa) - abroad from 09/01/2019 to 12/12/2019 with

IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an appreciation for a culture that is different from my own. I gained confidence in myself and my ability to be happy and independent. It was certainly worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses offered by IES Abroad Rome were interesting and engaging and the professors were great. The classes were not too challenging, but they did require dedication and provided opportunities to connect with the host country's culture and history.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrative staff at IES Rome are all very kind and passionate people who are dedicated to making sure that students have the most satisfying and enriching experience possible.

* 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

I loved every second of my experience and wouldn't change a thing about it.

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)

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't be scared to use the language. It can seem very daunting to speak to someone who is a native language speaker when you are a beginner, but doing so is the best way to learn.

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 city
  • The people
  • The academics
* What could be improved?
  • They could use more opportunities to interact with locals.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Living abroad is not as scary and intimidating as it is often made out to be.

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 Linguist
You 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!