Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Florence: The Most Rewarding Experience Past Review

By (English/Secondary Education, Providence College) for

Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was the most worthwhile experience I have ever taken part in. I have gained a deeper understanding about myself and the world around me. Through study abroad, I have realized that there is so much to see and do in the world beyond Providence College. I will definitely incorporate everything I have learned here into my future career and life plans.

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 workload was definitely managable, teachers are very understanding that students want to travel. The grading system did not vary greatly from Providence College, and the university always tried to be as helpful as they could be.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administration was extremely helpful and knowledgable. I never encountered any problems.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

There is no such thing as a bad place to eat in Florence. However, often times in Europe, the local supermarkets are not as well stocked as we are used to in America. This definitely took some adjusting.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The field trip to the Swiss Alps and Munich was an amazing experience. The school planned out a very well organized trip, and I was able to develop a deeper understanding for European culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe while walking around the city of Florence. The only thing I think students should be extremely aware of is pick-pocketers.

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?

Unfortunately, in Florence, most people speak English. Therefore, I never felt truly immersed in the Italian language. I would suggest that students try to use their Italian as much as possible if they want to improve, even if everyone can speak English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people (all very helpful)
  • The location
  • The food (amazing!)
* What could be improved?
  • Our first day was very rocky. Therefore, transitioning us into Italy could have gone more smoothly
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Come to Europe with an open mind! Never hestitate to try new things or visit new places. A student that is willing to go beyond his or her comfort zone would benefit most from this program.