Loved the experience Past Review

By (Benedictine College) - abroad from 09/01/2009 to 11/08/2009 with

Benedictine College: Florence - Semester Program in Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Knowledge of Italian, travel skills,lifelong friends

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 classes were not difficult. I chose to study extra Italian because I wanted to learn more. I was used to hard science classes so this semester was easy.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Food was not great at the Villa.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very little integrated unless we sought it out.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I sprained my ankle during the trip probably tore a tendon and I was recommended not to go to doctor so it did not seem accessible at the time.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This was the most fun semester I had and I loved the culture of Italy.

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? $200

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? Ap Spanish
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? Talk to locals

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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?
  • Italian culture
  • Art of Florence course
* What could be improved?
  • Integration and learning language
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's worth it to travel in college because you won't get to alot in the future.