Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Childhood Dreams Past Review

By (Hope College) - abroad from 01/28/2019 to 05/08/2019 with

IES Abroad: Rome - History & Classics

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that it is okay to travel solo sometimes! I came in wanting to find friends I could travel with, but when that didn't happen I was comfortable enough to explore on my own and gain some wonderful memories and experiences! It was absolutely worthwhile!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Entirely self-sufficient and bought my own food, but Italians are world-renowned!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was in an all-American apartment with English-speaking Italian professors, and I wish I would have stayed in a homestay with a family.

* 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

It was a dream come true! Seeing all the Roman ruins in person instead of a textbook was something I'll be eternally grateful for

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)

I struggled at first, but as the semester progressed I stopped starving myself for the purpose of saving money

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300/week, including travel
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't carry cash! I constantly wanted to have cash with me throughout the semester, and it burned a hole in my pocket. My advise: only take $300 out every month, instead of every two weeks. And never carry it with you!

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

I had Italian class at around 5 PM Tuesday-Thursday, but most of the program did things in English.

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? Be bold! Don't be afraid to practice with locals and order things in Italian

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?
  • Learning about Ancient Rome, in Rome
  • Trips to relevant classroom material
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • Better Italian class time. 4-5 PM is too late
  • More integration of the language into the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save money! But also don't be such a penny pincher that you miss out on traveling places for the sake of saving a few dollars. In thirty years, which would you rather have: $200, or another day in your favorite location on earth?

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!