Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Most Incredible Experience of my LIFE!!!!! Past Review

By (English And Communications, Fordham University) - abroad from 02/04/2013 to 05/24/2013 with

IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and feel much more confident in myself in the fact that if I was dropped in any city in the world I feel like I would be able to survive just fine. Also, I'm much more outgoing and have learned a second language.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were interesting and not very rigorous/not much work but days were long since classes were an hour to two hours long.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Far from campus center but apartment was beautiful, neighborhood was beautiful and lived with great people.

* Food:

Italy's food is amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Met many italian friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? try not to eat out so much.

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? Beginner
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? Exit level italian
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? Talk to everyone you meet in italian, if they speak to you back in english still continue to talk to them in italian because they will appreciate it

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Living with an Italian student
  • Encouraged us to learn the language
  • Very helpful with all our needs
* What could be improved?
  • Could offer more courses
  • Could space out classes more
  • Could offer more extracurriculars for free
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to not be shy about speaking the host language.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.