Unbelievable Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., West Chester University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 01/15/2015 to 05/09/2014 with

AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I feel like I grew as an individual from living abroad. I gained friends that I am still close with, and I got to experience another culture other than my own. Studying abroad was worthwhile to me, and is still one of my best decisions to this day.

Review Photos

AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

AIFS made our housing arrangements a very smooth process. When we first arrived, they told us who we would be living with and where. Once we arrived at the apartment, the landlords were incredibly kind and helpful.

* Food:

The meal plans are a great feature!

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? save up in advance so you can do different activities on the weekends!

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
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? start looking at the language before arrival

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?
  • AIFS Staff
  • the city and walking everywhere
  • the meal plan
* What could be improved?
  • a few more meal vouchers offered over holidays for those that are not traveling to other countries
  • meeting more local Italians
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I started the application process a bit sooner in order to get a scholarship.

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.