Those Four Months I Lived in Italy and Had the Time of My Life Past Review
By A student (Communications, Berea College) - abroad from 01/23/2013 to 05/11/2013 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Florence - Semester in Florence
I gained a sense of independence, confidence, and new outlook on how to live my life. It was definitely worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
Italian food... 'nuff said. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Being surrounded by American students all the time didn't really allow for much cultural integration, but it definitely helped being accepted into the Italian Family Club and being able to spend time with a true Italian family. I would have liked to gotten more cultural integration, though, but it's understandable since I chose to study in the 2nd most popular study abroad destination. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got a really bad ear infection during my stay, but the administrators were so helpful and recommended a great doctor for me! I felt very comfortable going to them and am very grateful for their help! |
| * Safety: |
Walking back to my apartment at night, I was always on guard, but I never felt like my safety was jeopardized in any way. |
| 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) |
A student's budget is a little difficult to live on in Italy, but I made do and honestly didn't really mind spending more for living expenses. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Go to the local markets to buy your groceries! And split meals when you go out to eat. |
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 |
Didn't need to speak Italian too often when you were always with Americans. |
| 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? | None |
| 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? | Label objects around your apartment, use the language's greetings with your friends, as well as other vocabulary |
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? |
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 wouldn't be able to receive as much cultural integration as I would have liked. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Beginning Italian |
| Course Department: | Foreign Language |
| Instructor: | Francesco Felici |
| Instruction Language: | English/Italian |
| Comments: | Francesco is one of the best teachers I have ever had and ever will have! He is so passionate about languages and he shares that passion with his students. I always looked forward to going to his class and I already miss it--and him1 |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No problems! |
