Unforgettable Experience of a Lifetime! Past Review

By (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 02/03/2014 to 05/08/2014 with

Accademia Europea di Firenze: Florence - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can travel comfortably on my own and adapt to a completely new culture. I definitely became more confident and independent and my horizons were broadened in terms of history and art. It was definitely worthwhile and an experience I think every student should try to take advantage of.

Review Photos

Accademia Europea di Firenze: Florence - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Accademia Europea di Firenze: Florence - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Accademia Europea di Firenze: Florence - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Accademia Europea di Firenze: Florence - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Accademia Europea di Firenze: Florence - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The faculty and staff were always committed to the students' education and made sure that what we learned was prevalent and taught in an interesting and informative way. There were also outside activities offered to further enrich the learning experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The advisor-Matteo Piper Jenks-was always involved and committed to making sure that we felt at home while abroad and also were able to form close bonds with the other participants in our program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment I lived in was a nice size and had a kitchen with an oven, microwave, refrigerator/microwave and a washing machine. The proximity to my classes was only a 10-15 minute walk and it was on a safe street that also had many things to do.

* Food:

The food in Italy in general is very good and prices are what one would expect.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My program offered many daily activities which incorporated the history and culture of Florence and there were also a lot of international students studying alongside us. Of course it is a little harder to integrate oneself when Florence is particularly dominated by American students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any specific health care issues but another member of our program got tonsilitis while in another country and our program immediately sent for assistance and made sure everything was fine.

* Safety:

Florence is an extremely safe place due to its small size and the prevalence of other American students. Of course still be smart when traveling at night but overall it is a very safe place.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Because the euro is not in our favor it is more difficult to live on a student's budget. However, if you minimize time spent eating at restaurants and traveling it should not be outrageously difficult.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $210
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find restaurants with a menu of the day. Utilize eurolines coach bus services and lower cost airlines.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Enrico, an amazing instuctor of Italian, always encouraged us to speak in Italian and made us feel comfortable even if our knowledge of the language was limited.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 5 semesters
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't speak English for as much as possible. If I had spoken Italian as much as I spoke English, I could be fluent.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The amazing faculty and staff
  • My fellow participants
  • Organized events
* What could be improved?
  • Integration of students whose university is not a major partner of the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? PACK LIGHT. Also, Ryan Air and Easy Jet are perfectly fine airlines as long as you cooperate with their baggage limits. Almost everyone speaks English, so traveling to strange places is not as difficult. Italian mail from the states is not reliable whatsoever.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Draping

Course Department: Fashion Design
Instructor: Angela Baldi
Instruction Language: English/Italian
Comments: If you are interested in fashion design, this is a wonderful course! Rather than taking a rigid approach which is more by the books, Angela lets you feel the mood and emotion of the fabric.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Fashion History

Course Department: Fashion Design
Instructor: Karl Jorns
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Karl is a fabulous professor who made sure that I got the most out of my experience in his class. We went on many outside field trips to museums and special exhibitions which was extremely beneficial and interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Textile Design

Course Department: Fashion Design
Instructor: Karl Jorns
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was very interesting and informative. I was able to learn about an expanse of printing techniques and even create my own prints using photoshop, which were then printed on fabric. Karl is an amazing professor!
Credit Transfer Issues: