Everyone should study abroad in Florence. Past Review

By (Undecided, Colby-Sawyer College) for

AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It made me realize how different the world is compared to America.

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.

It was all perfect. It was not too much work but enough where I really got something out of the trip. Being in a city like Florence forces you to learn about the deep history around you.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

To be honest I have no complaints about anything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was amazing. The location was the best in the city. Only complaints was that kitchen was really small and there was barely any silverware.

* Food:

You need to make the food vouchers included into the trip. People who did not buy them ate at their apartments most nights and ate really basic food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish we went on more field trips. The trips to sienna were fun though.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Florence is a very safe city. I never felt threatened at all.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It varied week to week but I spent about 3000 dollars during the whole trip and that still was not enough.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I wish I saved more money so I could travel more.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

Most people spoke english but I practiced my italian as much as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The housing
  • How florence is walkable.
  • The school
* What could be improved?
  • A meal plan
  • nothing
  • More trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do not be scared to study abroad.