Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-Changing Experience Past Review

By (Accounting, University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/22/2012 to 12/07/2012 with

AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My trip was 100% worthwhile.

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.

I enjoyed learning the Italian language. I had taken Spanish for the last 6 years and found the language similar to Italian. My teachers were great. The classes were interesting, and we frequently made walks around the city of Florence correlated to our studies in class. It was an amazing experience that I wouldn't give back.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied. We lived in a 4 person apartment with 4 single rooms. There was alot of space, and a full size kitchen. It was a great apartment to live in for 4 months.

* Food:

The food in Italy is some of the best, and richest I've ever had. The pasta and pizza were great and made with ingredients from the Tuscan region.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

It was fairly easy. I found myself out of money very quickly.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 225 per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep yourself to a per week budget. But also don't always hold back. You are there to experience new things and enjoy it.

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

They encouraged us to use it when we weren't in the classroom. For example, if we were ina resturant or at a cafe they stressed that practicing is how you get better.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I studied Spanish for 6 years prior to studying in Italy.
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? Use it all the time. In the classroom, at resturants, bars, stores, etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Fellow students
  • Faculty
  • Trip offerings
* What could be improved?
  • Longer stay
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the language. If I had taken 6 years of Italian rather than Spanish, it would've been different, and maybe a bit easier.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.