Perseverance, growth, challenge, joy, and blessings abundant Past Review
By A student (Business Administration, Management and Operations., Berea College) - abroad from 01/23/2013 to 05/10/2013 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Florence - Semester in Florence
No reservations! My journey begins and ends in the beautiful city of Florence, Italy. A city that taught me that the world is a boundless place that is meant to be explored and learned. It taught me fierce independence that I never anticipated, the kind of contented alone that is not lonely. It is a journey I will never forget and will stay with me every day that I live, from the Italian “ciao” tendency, to pasta elitist opinions, to slow meal time, to finding beauty in every God given moment. Gratitude. In summation of my experience, I walk away a changed woman who believes in the beauty of life and the overwhelming gratitude owed to every opportunity, relationship, experience, and place that has shaped my human existence.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academically structured in a way that you learn curriculum in the classroom easily applicable to the experience outside of the classroom. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Romina Mar and Ann Butwell, the two administrators/caretakers are incredible and will do anything to help! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Centrally located, nice facilities, and adequate space. |
| * Food: |
Italy has incredible food, particularly the program provides a meal plan for an excellent student run restaurant (impeccable food). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no negative experiences with health issues, thankfully, and a friend of mine had no problems when she had an ear infection and had to see the doctor. The insurance help provided is not matched. |
| * Safety: |
The only thing I want to comment on is night walking (to females mostly), never walk alone, the bigger the group better. The men can make you feel pretty uncomfortable (more talk than walk). |
| 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) |
Florence is inflated in prices. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Depending on traveling, roughly 75- 125 euros. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to budget beforehand! |
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 |
Every student is required to take an Italian language course. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Beginning |
| 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? | Familiarize yourself with the language prior to the semester, especially if you have no background. |
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? | Force yourself out of your comfort zone and find ways to interact with locals, it will be difficult here! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
