Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Roman summer Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 05/26/2015 to 07/23/2015 with

IES Abroad: Rome - Summer Internship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about personally and professionally. Having this internship and research experience under my belt has already helped me when applying for jobs and research back in America. It was also great for networking, two of my bosses from my internship in Italy just wrote me letters of recommendation for an internship at Penn State for next summer. I also learned so much about myself and just how independent I am. I realized how much I truly am capable of, and I was so happy with the outcome. Beyond that, I made so many memories with people from all over the world that I will cherish forever.

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.

My class gave me a lot of insight about Italian culture that I would not have learned if I did not take it. I did not take Italian language class because I didn't need it for my major, but I loved the internship seminar class! Another thing that was very helpful about that class was it helped teach me how to apply the skills I learned abroad at home and how to promote my study abroad experience effectively.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration at IES was helpful, friendly, and generally interested in my well being. They matched me up with an internship that was a perfect fit for my major and my career goals, but they went so far beyond that.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my living arrangements. I became great friends with my roommates and the location was perfect. My ISC made my experience in Italy so much better too. She was so helpful and nice, introduced me to her friends, was always a shoulder to lean on. I have no complaints.

* Food:

The best food I have ever had in my life. I miss it every single day

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved being immersed in the Italian culture. I have implemented so many things I learned abroad in my every day life back home in America.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health care issues, but I know some people who did. The IES staff did the best they could to help so that was all we could for from them. However, my friend felt uncomfortable in the hospital there.

* Safety:

I never once felt unsafe.

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)

I spent a lot of money on food and traveling. The food was so tempting and I wanted to experience as much as I could while I was there. I saved up for a year before my trip so that I was able to do that.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euro on food, depends on if I traveled on the weekend, if I did, then up to 400 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead. Start saving in advance, before you leave map out an estimate of how much you have to spend a week and then keep track of your money as you are spending 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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • My internship opportunity
  • Learning about a new culture
* What could be improved?
  • Workload was a lot, but doable
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew before that I would feel so comfortable even 4,000 miles away. I never thought that somewhere across the world from where I grew up could feel so much like home. I was very nervous before I left, but I am glad I didn't let that stop me from embarking on a journey across the pond.

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!