La Dolce Vita Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload and grading system for my courses were reasonable. I was able to enjoy the experience of living in a foreign country without feeling overwhelmed, but I also felt like I gained a significant amount of knowledge from the instructors. I enjoyed being lectured in field studies and found that I was able to retain information much easier than when I am sitting in a lecture hall or staring at a book. Overall, I found the educational system preferable because it was hands on and was structured in a way that allowed me to display the overall knowledge I gained rather than the details that I memorized.

On-site administration of your program

The IES program was very supportive and I felt like if I ever had any problems or questions, they were available to help me. I enjoyed having an Italian roommate very much and was able to make more Italian friends through her as well as through other student's Italian roommates. The only real weakness that was brought to my attention was finals week- having multiple finals the last week I was there was difficult. Also having to clean up the day that I finished finals and be out the next day was something that placed a little stress on me. I would have liked to had a couple of days before we were rushed out of the apartment.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

IES provided a list of recommended places to eat; while I didn't utilize this list, I know some students who did and found it helpful.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast was really incredible. There were other day field trips offered but I opted out of them.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt pretty safe almost everywhere I went in Italy, inside and outside of Rome. I had a few friends whose purses and wallets were stolen, but as long as you keep an eye and hand on your belongings, that shouldn't be a problem. I had no experiences with the healthcare system.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I was able to practice with the Italian roommate that IES had set me up with, in class, as well as with a few Italian friends I made. Many people spoke english, but I tried to speak Italian when I could.

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• Apartment

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• Americans
• Local Students