Once in a lifetime experience. May 27, 2025
By Slater L (Language Area Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/28/2025 to 05/08/2025 with
IES Abroad: Rome Summer - Language & Culture
A new way of living and a better representation of culture.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were very manageable |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Amazing apartment situation with 6 other people. Having a roommate in my room was something I thought would be annoying but it was honestly fine |
| * Food: |
It was Italy, bad food doesn't exist |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had an issue but from what I heard from my friends that did it was fine |
| * Safety: |
Just be smart when you are out drinking and also on the Metro stations but overall very safe |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Rome was incredible. It was also relatively close for traveling purposes which made flights more affordable. Food was exceptional, people were amazing. No complaints. |
Finances
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* 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 went in with around $7k and spent it all. I think that is reasonable though, I also traveled nearly every weekend |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget. Keep track of your expenses and set a budget. You're going to spend a lot of money but it's a once in a life time experience. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | Italian 1 |
| 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? | Speaking with locals. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You are going to spend more money than you think. Whatever amount you think you'll spend, you will spend more |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
