Challenging Learning Experience Past Review

By (Providence College) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 05/12/2012 with

Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
i grew up a lot, learned a lot about myself and matured

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.

sub-par teaching compared to providence professors

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

food not provided by the school (only on trips)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

not fully because i lived and interacted with americans, even in university

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

didn't have to deal with any

* Safety:

felt safe for the most part, considering florence is a city

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? cook your own meals and avoid shopping!

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

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? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Practice with locals, try to hold a conversation

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
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?
  • Living close to school
  • Being in Florence
  • Easy classes
* What could be improved?
  • Being integrated with local peers
  • the academic rigor
  • internet in the apartment
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? not to get frustrated with the little things