Can't miss opportunity!!! Past Review
By A student (Benedictine College) - abroad from 08/15/2012 to 11/09/2012 with
Benedictine College: Florence - Semester Program in Florence, Italy
The semester abroad was so worthwhile!! I cannot stress that enough. I have friends who did not do a semester abroad for one reason or another and they all have regretted it. I had a few reasons that it could have not worked out, but I made sure that it did and am so glad I got to go abroad! I became so close with the people I studied abroad with and feel like we share a special bond because of our months in Florence together. I also gained a better understanding of Italian culture and a better appreciation for the world around me. I made lasting memories that I will never forget! It was the best semester!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses are not quite as rigorous as you would experience back at BC, but that allows for plenty of learning outside of the classroom which is more valuable! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The villa is amazing! They treated us so well. |
| * Food: |
The villa food got a bit mundane at times but the food around town of course is amazing! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This kind of depends on how much you immerse yourself - go exploring! You'll be more integrated if you go out into the local culture. I would go to daily mass most mornings right in Settignano and felt that I really got to know the locals there :) |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Don't be out too late without being able to bus back to the villa, but otherwise just use common sense! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The Florence program is amazing - I was able to get a look at the culture of Italy but also travel all over Europe! I am so glad I did it! |
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) |
|
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 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I spent a few weekends in Florence and a few in other countries. I would say to travel a lot but also make sure to spend a few weekends in Florence! That way, you really learn about the place you call home for 3 months. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
