Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Finding Peace May 25, 2023

By (Sociology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/30/2023 to 05/11/2023 with

IES Abroad: Rome - Sociology & Religion

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to slow down and enjoy the little moments a bit more.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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:

* 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

Being in Rome on a program that encouraged us to travel and explore made this semester feel like a dream - I was so relaxed this whole time and felt such a sense of peace and joy.

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? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries and don't be afraid to cook at home! And search for weekend trips early or look for the cheapest ones - they are still going to be incredible.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 30b
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? Talk to people when you are out and about - they will appreciate you trying!

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?
  • We had Fridays off
  • The small nature of it
* What could be improved?
  • Better housing facilities
  • Better understanding of the educational background of students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You don't fall in love with the program on Day 1, so give yourself time to adjust

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.