Americans in Rome: Wish I had a more International Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Grading was easy and work load was medium. The instructors were good, and local! But the students we all American. I had been looking forward to an international classroom experience.

On-site administration of your program

We didn't have much interaction with the admin after orientation. They didn't add to the experience much, but this was the first year IES offered this program in Rome, so I think they had kinks to work out, and I hope they've improved since 2003.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked living in an apartment, it allowed for us to have our own space and feel comfortable. It was beautiful, old building with a wrap around terrace, 5th floor, you could even see St.Pete's Cathedral! The negatives: 5 girls and one very small hot water heater, and the heat wasn't turned on until late november, so we were really cold for a few weeks! Also, it was very far from campus (hour and a half walk when the public transit was on strike) and 30min walk to "down town"

The food is delicious! But, somewhat expensive for a student budget.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Me and my flatmates were lucky and had a group of local friends. I think we were the only ones on our program that socialized with Italians. I'm so happy I got the chance to make friends with people outside the program. IES had one weekend trip to Assisi and Perugia, it was a fun trip to places I wouldn't have gone to on my own. The night life was fun. I was lucky to have a roommate that was a history major, so she was our personal tour guide around the famously historic city!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had an ear infection while I was abroad, luckily I didn't have to go to the doctor's to get antibiotics, and through my broken Italian was able to get what I needed at the local pharmacy. One of my flatmates had to see a doctor and was able to see someone who spoke English and get what she needed. It is important to note that the local police and state police are different and the local police can be sketchy. Two of my flatmates needed to get home after a night out and the taxi line was very long, they accepted a ride from two cops and ended up being driven around for an hour, only to be let out of the car in a field a few miles from our apartment. Tourist bus routes and sites are known for pickpockets, beware.

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

I didn't know ANY Italian before stepping off the plane in Rome. I had a background in Spanish, and this helped. We had three classes a week (Italian taught through English). Outside the classroom had very little local interaction to use the language other than going out to eat. Yes, most people spoke English.

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• Apartment

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• Americans