Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Interning in the Eternal City Past Review

By (Culture and Communication, Ithaca College) - abroad from 05/20/2013 to 07/29/2013 with

IES Abroad: Rome - Summer Internship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My time in Rome was absolutely incredible. There were dozens of internship options and great choices to pick from. The internship coordinator was always there if you had any concerns or issues with your placement, which gave everyone some peace of mind. I had the opportunity to work with an Italian ceramist, where I assisted with ceramics classes and prepared presentations for potential study abroad partnerships. The IES staff and courses were both great and the day/ weekend trips really added to the whole experience. I would definitely recommend this program to those who are looking for the chance to immerse themselves in the Italian culture!

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:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Doctor's appointment was very easy to acquire and program staff was extremely helpful

* Safety:

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

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? 50-75 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of you budget and stick to it!

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate Italian 2
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? Being surrounded by the language and using it as much as possible made a huge difference for me. Also living with an Italian student helped improve my language skills

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Language program
  • Cultural Immersion
  • Option to live with Italian student companian
* What could be improved?
  • Roommate selection
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is always the option to switch internship placements, so there is no need to worry about not liking your placement

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!