Rome is Great, IES is Okay Past Review

By (political science and Italian, Fordham University) - abroad from 08/28/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was certainly worthwhile. I learned a lot more about both Italian and American culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment with two other American students. The apartment was nice and in a good location.

* Food:

In apartments, you will cook for the most part.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn't have any health problems while I was there, but the school did a good enough job informing students about health care in Italy.

* Safety:

Be careful with debit and credit cards.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Rome is a rather expensive city, but it's possible to find ways to save money.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries and cook.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? ITAL 2501
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? Use the language whenever you got out. If you have studied the language a little bit before leaving, taking a course in Italian could be a nice challenge.

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
  • International Students
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?
  • Course offerings
  • Professors
  • Housing arrangements
* What could be improved?
  • Administration
  • Pre-departure information
  • Schedule
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the option to live with Italian students. I chose not to, but it would have been a good experience.

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!