Semester in Florence: In the heart of Tuscany Past Review

By (International Business, University of Oklahoma) for

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Florence - Semester in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad opens your eyes to all the different cultures that make up our world. I am an International Business and Marketing major and now I more fully understand the importance of learning about other cultures and experiencing different lifestyles. It has changed my views on adapting to new situations and is an experience I will never forget.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Florence University of the Arts
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.

All of my classes were taught in English, so you don't need any prior knowledge for a language. The professors were from all over the world, so it was very interesting to learn their different perspectives and they were very easy to communicate with. The workload wasn't any more than I had back at home, but there are regular homework assignments and projects. The classes are in a smaller setting than at my home University, but you got to know the students and the teachers on a personal level.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was very helpful and was always willing to make our stay more enjoyable. Our school had around 200 students and they seem to take care of everyone. Sometimes they were a little unorganized, but for the most part they knew how to take good care of us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment with six other American girls. Our sheets, pillows, and blankets were all provided. We just had to buy our towels. We had two bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and three bedrooms. We also had air conditioning and Wifi Internet. We lived right off of Piazza Santa Croce and were in a great location in the city. I lived in a three person room and it seemed like my bed was just thrown in there. But other than that everything worked well.

* Food:

The food is excellent in Italy and I had a kitchen, so I could cook whenever I wanted. There are no microwaves in Italy, so just be prepared that you can only cook items in the oven or on the stove. The fridges are very small and when there are so many people living in a small area, you can only buy so much food at one time.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had two free excursions come with my program. We went to the Amalfi Coast to Capri, Sorrento, and Pompeii. It was one of the prettiest places I have ever been and I loved every minute of it. We also went to Pitigliamo and a spa in the Tuscan countryside. The school always had field trips that you could sign up for on the weekends that were easy to coordinate with your schedule and interests.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Overall the city is safe, but it is always best to be walking with friends or people you know after dark. It is a big city and strange things do happen, but as long as you are aware of your surroundings you will be alright. Pick-pocketing is a major concern in Florence, so you always need to be aware of your bag.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

It was required to take an Italian language class, but I had already had six semesters of Italian. It improved my speaking and allowed me to practice with real Italians in their culture. We also had a Language Exchange Program and we were paired with an Italian student from a local university and met with them several times throughout the semester. Knowing Italian is not a requirement because most of the people in Florence speak Italian and English, so it is easy to get around.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location of the city
* What could be improved?
  • More interactive for students around the holidays, such as a Thanksgiving meal
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This program is for beginners in Italian and people who are curious about the Italian lifestyle. It is such a rewarding experience and you are surrounded by students just like you.