Why did you choose this program? I choose IES Rome because I knew I wanted to be in a big historic city, and there is no place in the world like Rome. Also the credits transferred easily.

Describe your favorite class abroad. My favorite class abroad was a class called Issues in the Contemporary Catholic Church. It was taught by an American Priest who was very well known in Rome and the Vatican, and he had many interesting ideas on current things affecting the Church and Catholics.

What was the housing like on your study abroad program? I lived with 3 roommates who I didn't know, in an apartment about 100 yards from St. Peter's Square. I ended up becoming great friends with my roommates and had no problems while abroad.

What advice would you like to give to future study abroad students? My advice would be to stay open to new things, whether it be food, experiences or new classes, challenge yourself to get outside your comfort zone.

What’s your best memory from your time abroad? My best memory was spending my 21st birthday in Munich and having VIP tickets to see Bayern Munich play.

“If I could do it over, I would…” Go to Budapest, that was the only place I wasn't able to go, and everyone who went said it was amazing.

What was your greatest challenge? Finding places, such as your hostel, without the use of google maps and data.

Discuss: “Going abroad vs. staying on campus.” All my friends that stayed on campus had a great time, and their thinking for going abroad was that they can go when they are older and have money. Nothing beyond today is guaranteed, if you have the opportunity to go abroad, especially when you have no real responsibility, always go. People never regret going abroad for a semester, people do regert not going abroad.

What fact about your host country do you think people would be surprised to learn? Rome has the least expensive airline flights in all of Europe.