IES Rome: Learn to Live and Let Live Past Review
By Gabriela L (Communication and Media Studies., Trinity University) for
IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies
My study abroad experience has motivated me to find jobs or pursue further education abroad. I learned a lot of things about myself: that I am smarter and more resourceful than I give myself credit for, not knowing a language doesn't mean you can't communicate, and there are people in this world who are genuine and can help you when you least expect it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I loved the hands on learning that took place outside of the classroom. As an experiential learner, I found that the teaching style fit my approach to education. The teachers were also incredibly passionate about their subject and that gave for a more interesting classroom experience. I found that the teachers at my home university and abroad were both easily accessible when I had a question or concern. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program size was perfect and in the first week of the program I felt that the staff was extrememly accommodating. As the semester progressed, sometimes the staff was not as helpful in finding certain restaurants, stores, etc. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family made my stay in Rome incredibly better. Not only were they very loving and open, but they were patient with me as I learned Italian and my way aroudn the city. My host family treated me like one of their own. |
| * Food: |
There are some fantastic places to eat in Rome--the list could go on and on. However, one of my favorite retaurants is "Gusto." They had the best happy hour specials and my friends and I would spend an evening drinking wine and aperitivo. The food in Italy is obviously one of the best in the world and I'm glad I was forced to walk across the city the majority of the time to burn off all the extra food I was consuming. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I went on a trip with the program to Sorrento and I absolutely loved the experience. I liked that it was an intimate group of people and that everything--from our hotel, meals and site-seeing was almost all planned out. I also spent a day at the beach towards the beginning of the semester and that trip gave me the opportunity to meet real Italians and experience another side of Italy. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I ended up getting the flu when I was abroad and the school was extremely helpful in finding me an English speaking doctor. In fact, the doctor I had in Rome was better than the doctor I have here in the states. Getting a prescription for anti-biotics was really easy and I recovered relatively quickly. In terms of safety, I never felt endagererd or threatened but I know a lot of people in my program got pick-pocketed on the bus. I didn't have that problem (and I rode one of the most pick-pocketed buses every day) and I think it was because I look Italian and was cautious, but not paranoid. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save as much money as you can!! There were SO many hidden costs when it came to travelling and at one point my bank shut down my account because of foreign transactions--despite the fact that I notified them before I left the country. Sometimes you never know what is going to happen, so you should always be prepared with a back up plan and extra money. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The type of student who would most benefit from this program is a student who loves being lost in a city, seeks adventure, and who is not afraid to get out of their comfort zone. Rome was the best place to get lost in a city because the people are extremely warm and open, the food is unforgettable and the history of the city is rich and fascinating. When considering this study abroad program, I would recommend that you prepare yourself for a city that is enchanting in so many ways: the history, people, food, religion, and of course, fashion! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Rome as a Living Museum |
| Course Department: | AH 320 |
| Instructor: | Racioppi, Pier Paolo |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This was probably my favorite course when I was studying abroad because we learned about the history of Rome in a very hands-on way. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No. |
