Learning journey Past Review
By Hai T (Marketing., University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 01/26/2012 to 05/11/2012 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Florence - Semester in Florence
I definitely learned a lot about the Italian culture and their way of life. I improved my language skill; not so much on the speaking part but reading and writing are improved by a whole lots. It cleared out what I want to do with my degree. I met a lot of amazing people and made quite a few new friends. It also provides opportunity to travel and explore Italy and Europe. Overall, it was worthwhile and I would do it again any time.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Comparing to my classes at home, these classes were less rigorous. By that, it doesn't mean that I didn't learn anything. I found the classes in the program very interesting and engaging. I learned quite a bit of knowledge pertaining its presented industries. So yes, I didn't have to pull my hair out trying to keep up with the class; however, I probably learned more from these classes than back at home. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had a good admin experience. I can't speak for other since I knew some people had some troubles/issues with the office. Though, there definitely is a shortage of staffs in certain department; which delays their response to the problem, especially when it comes to housing related issue. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing was fantastic. It has an amazing location (very central and amongst the local), and the amenities were reasonably well equipped (furniture, storage, heating/cooling, internet, cable, furnished kitchen). In general, the housing in the program is pretty good and well-arranged based on my fellow students and mine. |
| * Food: |
The program has a restaurant that runs by its culinary program. The food there is exceptional and definitely a gourmet Italian culinary experience. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It's more of the whole city itself. Florence is a very touristy city year-round. Thus, for the most part of the city, people speak English every where. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any experience in this department. Thus, I can't really provide relevant review. |
| * Safety: |
Overall, the city is pretty safe. I took a couple of late night walk around the city an a long the river. Nothing happened. I didn't hear anything from other students either besides the rare pickpocketing which is not surprising in a touristy city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
In general, it's pretty easy to live on a student's budget if you cook at home a lot. I find myself spending a lot of money when I'm traveling. If I stay in Florence for the week, I spend on an average of 30-50 euro a week on food and maybe a drink or two. It is also hard to stay on a budget since you would often tempted to eat/go out since many of your friends are. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50 euro/week on average |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook at home and eat at restaurant away from touristy area. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Outside of my Italian class, I didn't have many opportunity to practice. I also didn't take part in the "adopted Italian family" program; which is completely fault on my part and not the program. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | 1 semester |
| 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? | Go to the local market. In Florence, I found myself speaking the most Italian when I go grocery at the local market and the shops around it. Most of these place, people don't speak much of English or at all. Sometimes, I even have some of the shop owner giving me cooking tips in Italian; which is quite useful. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If I had time, I would learn more Italian. It definitely helps knowing the language and people tend to be more helpful that way. I did some preparation in researching the city before I came; so I did knew enough of what I was getting myself into. Other than that, it was nice to be there and figure out everything out. |
