Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Words cannot describe how fantastic studying abroad in Florence was! Past Review

By (Wheelock College) - abroad from 01/09/2013 to 05/03/2013 with

AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about Italy and Italian culture, but I also learned about myself. It was so worthwhile; I wanted to become more independent, and this program definitely helped me achieve that.

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 professors I had were really passionate, although there wasn't a lot of course work, but that was good because that gave everyone time to really experience the culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone at AIFS wants to help; it's great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our apartment was fantastic; great location, and ridiculously big. Also they paired up housemates very well.

* Food:

It's Italian food, obviously it was fantastic. The meal plan was super helpful; I don't know of any other program that offers that.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt pretty integrated with the local culture, but I definitely had to make my own effort to do so. There isn't that much integration within the school.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any healthcare issues.

* Safety:

Florence is a city, and any city has its safety issues. If you make good choices and pay attention to your surrounds you should be fine.

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)

Florence is expensive, but I think the most money I spent was on trips, and at the beginning getting some basic things for the apartment. Also school supplies were a bit costly, but that's partially bc I took a studio class. Art supplies are never cheap.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget beforehand for trips, souvenirs, etc.

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

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had completed level 5 of Spanish, which wasn't all that helpful 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? Make an effort to speak to Italians in Italian. Some people are rude about it, but for the most part people are really excited to help you, and that you're trying to speak their language. Also it's the best way to learn a language, actually using it.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Meal Plan
  • Housing
  • Making friends from all over the USA
* What could be improved?
  • Later hours at school resources (Studio, Library, etc)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had budgeted so I could go on more international trips. Other than that I wouldn't change a thing.

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!