international - I was Ro(a)ming all over Europe January 30, 2025

By (Psychology and Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 12/01/2024 to 12/11/2024 with

IES Abroad: Rome - Early Childhood Education

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learn the importance of being sympathetic and flexible. Because you need it to understand and live in another culture.

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 class is not as challenging as the classes in Brandeis. The professors are nice and willing to go the extra mile to help.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Many events by the program so you can better understand the culture.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Responsive host, equipped with everything needed

* 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:

All of the housing is either near the center or in a residential area, which is safe.

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

Because the location is perfect for travelling around

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? 50

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
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? try to talk with locals using their language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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
  • The class
  • The no class on Friday
* What could be improved?
  • none
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I learn more Italian before going

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.'