Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying in Rome was wonderful and I would stay here if I could. Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/02/2019 to 12/11/2019 with

IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained more autonomy and independence and it was definitely worthwhile and I definitely plan on moving here one day.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did independent housing due to personal reasons, but I had an amazing experience with the family that hosted me.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because I have been exposed to the italian culture previously, it was not hard for me to get used to the lifestyle here

* 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

It is a very small program and I liked this because it made it more easy to build relationships with people and the staff/professors actually got to know you.

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? 150$ a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would say keep spreadsheets to track all your spending weekly

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? Intermediate
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? Italian 105A Italian Conversation and Composition
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? When going out and talking to locals, refrain from speaking English because people here speak English and if you stay in your comfort zone, it wont help you.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • 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?
  • Professors
  • advising
  • Field studies
* What could be improved?
  • offering more courses in different times
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Rome does not have a good train system in the city.

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!