Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Semester of my Life! Past Review

By (Art History, Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 02/02/2015 to 05/22/2015 with

IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a new type of independence and confidence that will be with me for the rest of my life and for that reason it was certainly worthwhile.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics were stimulating and challenging, but not too much homework or studying, so it still left me time to explore and travel.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff were extremely kind, helpful and friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in a homestay which was great! My host mom was very kind, but the home itself was a little cluttered.

* Food:

The food my host mom provided me with was amazing and so all of the food throughout Rome.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I sprained my ankle while I was abroad and the staff was extremely great with getting me the help I needed.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Rome all semester.

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
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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Internship
  • Classes
  • Trips
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known how far my housing was going to be from the center.

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!