It's What You Make of It Past Review

By Kirsten W (Writing, General, Ithaca College) - 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 how to change my mood for the better quickly and that sometimes it's best to focus on the simple things that make me happy like a walk, great food, and trying something new. It was completely worth while.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The best academic experiences I have had were in the field studies. I went to very well known museums and sites as well as smaller ones. I also got to meet with government officials and Italian college students.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Very helpful. All the professors and staff love to share their knowledge of their city and country. Quite organized as well.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived with a host family and I loved it. I got to have my own room and three meals with my host family a week. My host mom spoke English very well and we had an easy-going, enjoyable relationship. My host sister was ten, energetic, charming, and funny. I lived in Trastevere, which is a very exciting neighborhood in Rome. I highly recommend living with a host family.
* Food:	Never had a bad meal. Trip Advisor is very popular and I recommend watching for the Roma award stickers as well.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I am not fluent in Italian and was not involved too much with Italian culture on the internet, which hindered my exposure. However, I felt more and more comfortable as the semester went on. Working at the secondary school also helped me learn and be a part of their culture. Do not expect to be a part of the college-age culture of IES if you do not know Italian and do not take classes at the university. However, if you try to speak as best as possible and live with a host family, you will learn about the culture overall.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I did not personally have an experience in this field.
* Safety:	Center Rome is quite safe. I recommend walking with a buddy, but I have also walked alone at night and have felt safe. In general, Rome is a well-lit, international city, but I believe my Italian looks made it easier for me to blend in on the streets.
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)	If you want to enjoy Rome and Italy as much as possible, you have to spend the money.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	About 180.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Take note the budget your program suggests.

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?	Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	201.
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?	The app Duo Lingo is helpful. I would say to learn very basics and listen to how they sound. Regardless, always have a smile on! If you are nice, the locals will help you out as much as they can.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family Apartment
* 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?	ROME Lots of free time The informative classes and positive atmosphere
* What could be improved?	More inclusion with college-age Italians Longer program trips Students living closer together
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	To not restrict myself too much on budget.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Rome as a Living Museum
Course Department:	Art History
Instructor:	Pier Paolo Racioppi
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Before, Rome was a collage of architecture that I thought was pretty but did not understand. This class taught me the story of the city through engaging class lessons and tours of the cities and its museums. Pier Paolo assessed us with two tests, one essay, and one presentation. The presentation, however, would be in front of some of the most famous pieces of art in the Western World! Pier Paolo is one of my favorite professors of all time as he is so knowledgeable, funny, and approachable.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I have yet to go through this process, but I am most positive that because Ithaca College is affiliated with many IES programs, that I will be able to have this count for history and art.