Wish I never left! Past Review

By (International Studies, Indiana University - Bloomington) for

IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot from my time abroad: cultural awareness, language speaking abilities, and unique independent travel experience!!!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great lessons in and out of the classroom- fieldtrip type classes were so incredible and valuable!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Valuable information & fun activities planned in advance. Some classes seemed unorganized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Best food of my life.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Class field trips were so unique: best moment was when my history class went into the Roman ruins were no other tourists could go. We learned, explored, and were amazed!!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

You learned where to avoid and when to avoid those places. I never had any issues with 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

A lot of English was spoken, had to seek out people with whom to practice.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The staff at the IES Center were very helpful and the professors were incredibly knowledgable.
* What could be improved?
  • Placing Italian students with American students would help increase language & cultural immersion.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Students who want to get a great cultural experience, especially those who like history should definitely go to Rome!!