When in Rome Past Review

By (Social Work., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/29/2013 to 07/11/2013 with

IES Abroad: Rome Summer - Language & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to broaden my viewpoint and learn more about other cultures.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Staff were very helpful and accomodating.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great location, but the apartment had no air conditioning or oven.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Program provided great resources.

* Safety:

Fine as long as in groups. Watch out for pick-pockets.

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)

Food was quite expensive.

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? Intermediate
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? Immersion

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Historical Monuments
  • Trips around Rome
* What could be improved?
  • Apartments of students closer together
  • More information from UT about transferring credit
  • More interaction with local Italian students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how expensive food/other amenities costs in Rome.