IES Rome: Summer of my dreams Past Review
By Kara K (Ancient History and Classical Civilization, The University of Texas at Austin) for
IES Abroad: Rome Summer - Language & Culture
I studied Classics in school, so living in Rome for two months was a dream come true. I am doing my student teaching right now for Latin; therefore, I am able to share my pictures and experience with my students. Rome was everything I wanted it to be and more. Studying abroad is something everyone should do.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Workload was manageable, much lower than a Fall or Spring semester back home. Grading system and teaching methods were normal and very similar to my home university. I did not experience many differences in the educational system because I was with a program with entirely American students. My professors were both Italian, but there was little to no language barrier. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Program size was wonderful. Only 33 of us. We all got to know each other and had a really fun and close-knit group. Everyone that worked at IES was helpful with questions about Rome and suggestions on what to do and where to go. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The food in Italy is amazing! I haven't quite adjusted to eating American food again. Everything is fresh and we often went to the farmers market to buy fresh cheese, fruit and vegetables. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I saw Lady Gaga at the Circus Maximus for the Rome Gay Pride parade. It was an amazing and once and a lifetime experience. We also took a weekend trip to the Amalfi Coast with the entire program. The program led field trip was included in the program cost and they showed us a good time. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Rome is a fairly safe city. I didn't walk around alone at night, but I wouldn't do that at home. In Europe it is important to have a watchful eye on your bag and always be aware of your surroundings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The international cell phones that we were required to have were more expensive than I anticipated. I wish that I would have looked into an international plan before I left. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I did not have any Italian language courses prior to departure. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced the language with my Italian roommate and both of my professors (both were Italian). I used my Italian everyday when out and about in Rome, but most people spoke English. I tried to speak Italian whenever possible to have a real Italian experience. |
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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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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