IES Abroad Rome -- Language & Area Studies : Testimonials (Rome)
The following program testimonial responses have been selected for publication by Office of International Programs
We want to hear about your experience!
Why did you choose this program?
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I saw Rome as a wonderful gateway to traveling in Europe. I knew that a lot of the major sights were there, too, and I wanted to have the opportunity to see them every day. I also wanted to study in Rome since it's the seat of the Catholic Church, and I thought I could attend some really beautiful masses there. Finally, I wanted to go to Rome because I knew the food would be tasty. I'd heard from other students that IES was the best choice, and I was in no way disappointed.
— Christopher Novak, Fall 2012 |
What was your favorite aspect of this program?
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I really enjoyed the field studies. Although class felt like a burden sometimes, I always looked forward to those days where we would leave the classroom to go explore Rome. It was so cool to me that so much of the information we were learning in the classroom could be so directly applied to the city in which we were living.
— Christopher Novak, Fall 2012 |
What was your housing situation like?
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I lived with four other American guys and one Italian. This was great because I had the freedom that came with living in an apartment, but I also had some of the great cultural experiences that many of my friends got from living in a home stay. Paolo showed us all the best places to go in Rome, and answered any questions that we had about Italian life and culture. And to boot, he turned out to be a great friend.
— Christopher Novak, Fall 2012 |
What was your favorite class and why?
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My favorite class was by far the Archaeology of Ancient Rome. I'm not really a history or art kind of guy, but for me, learning all about the amazing civilization that was Ancient Rome was extremely fascinating. I had an awesome professor who was an actual archaeologist and very passionate about the subject. He was engaging and interesting, and he took us on field studies every week to a different monument, and I just took it all in. At the beginning, I felt pretty clueless, but before I knew it, I could identify the architectural order of a row of columns like a professional. The class got me in touch with my inner classics major, and showed my how beautiful Rome truly was.
— Christopher Novak, Fall 2012 |
What did you gain from studying abroad?
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I don't know. It's a hard thing to put into words. I know that being abroad changed me, but I'm not sure how. I think I'm more adaptable now, after having to deal with the stresses of international travel. Also, I think I'm more open. That is, open to understanding the language, history, and culture of a new place and really working to internalize it. I think, too, that I'm more aware of things happening around the world, and I care much more about them, even if they don't directly affect me. So, if I had to say what I've gained after my semester abroad, I'd have to say that it's a different world view: one that is both wider and more detailed. Well, I gained that and a couple extra pounds. Haha.
— Christopher Novak, Fall 2012 |