When Can I Go Back?! Past Review

By (Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 01/16/2015 to 05/08/2015 with

AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There are many things I gained from being abroad. I experienced a different culture and learned to appreciate international visitors in the United States more than I had before. I became more aware and empathetic because I knew what it felt like to be treated with patience and kindness but also shortness and rudeness. I also learned how to be more independent and manage traveling on my own, something that I rarely had to do in the states.

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.

Most of the classes were interesting and had site visits. The professors friendly and helpful. The classes consisted of a midterm, final, and research paper each that you needed to work for, but were not too difficult if one put in the effort.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of the staff was incredibly helpful and engaging. They set up a lot of programs and events to get students involved.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a wonderful older Italian woman. She was very sweet and caring, but also respected our privacy. She didn't have many rules for my roommate and I as long as he respected her property and her lifestyle (like any other family or roommate would ask). There was no curfew or anything like that and she didn't need to know where or when we were going.

* Food:

The meal plan was incredible. We had meal vouchers to restaurants all over the city and these were restaurants that both locals and visitors enjoyed.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are a lot of study abroad students in Florence so it is difficult to blend or adapt to the Italian culture. Being in a home stay definitely immersed me more than living in an American apartment would have, but I still wish that I had been able to practice the language more and not stand out as an American student so much.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't personally have an experience where healthcare was needed, but one of my good friends broke her ankle during a game of soccer. She was rushed to the hospital and needed to stay there for two weeks because she needed surgery. It is difficult to rate this section because while the AIFS staff was wonderful (about visiting her and pardoning school work and absences from class), the hospital was difficult and slow.

* Safety:

There are many tourists in Florence and therefore many pick pockets and people looking to take advantage of strangers. However, it isn't difficult to stay safe if one uses common sense (don't walk alone at night, keep your belongings close, lock doors when not home).

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)

The amount of money spent per week is almost completely up to the student. With the meal plan, a student didn't need to spend much extra. While not every single meal is covered, planning and budgeting could allow a student to spend very minimal on food. The rest of expenses were probably travel, souvenirs and other activities. Additionally, there were extra costs for those living in apartments that I do not know much about because I was in a home stay.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? This isn't easy to estimate because it truly depends on which weeks I traveled and what souvenirs.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Browse around different student travel programs that can take you to different locations each weekend. Sometimes these programs will be cheaper than planning a trip yourself, but sometimes it will be the opposite depending on where you are going and what you plan to do.

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

There were many different options for language course level, but everyone had to take some sort of Italian class. The teachers encouraged us to use the language in Italian class, cafes, shops and restaurants. However, the staff would speak English to us (aside from the Italian teachers in class). The locals appreciated when we first tried to speak their language rather than just assuming they understood English.

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? Intensive Beginner (4 times a week for two hours)
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? Live in a home stay. You will be forced to learn the language to communicate with your family. Order meals in the language. Meet locals and practice with them. There are opportunities everywhere to speak the language!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Program Excursions
  • Meal Plan
  • Living Options
* What could be improved?
  • End of program travel options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is better to travel in smaller groups (3-6) because bigger groups are very hard to coordinate!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.