Past Review

By (HISTORY., Providence College) for

Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was unparalleled. I am more open-minded about other cultures and by the end of my experience I felt like a Florentine "local." As a history major, I was inspired by what I learned and saw. I was able to improve my Italian language skills as well. Also, the ability to travel all over Italy was wonderful. I am so glad I studied abroad.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Florence University of the Arts
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although I did not read many primary sources or take challenging exams, I learned a great deal because of the city in which I lived. Most of my professors conducted lectures in museums, so I was able to experience history firsthand. This was a very unique academic experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program staff was very accessible and answered questions very promptly. My feelings are kind of neutral, as they were not outstanding nor were they negligent.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in a three-bedroom, six-person apartment in the Santa Croce district right near the Ponte Vecchio. It was a wonderful location, and my street was never loud or unsafe. <br /><br /> My apartment was in a very safe and ideal location; I was about a 5-10 minute walk from most of the important sites of Florence. My apartment was very large and well-equipped. My program placed two Italian students in my apartment, which was helpful in practicing my language skills.

* Food:

It was wonderful to explore all of the food options Florence has to offer, from small delis to giant fresh food markets.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most people I encountered, both locals and other students, were very friendly. Florence was a safe city and easy to explore.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Florence was a very safe city, and American doctors and the American consulate made themselves very available to students.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep a budget and be aware of how much it costs to travel.

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

It is important to always try to speak the native language, even if someone knows you are American. Most study abroad students expect everyone to speak English, so locals appreciate when someone tries to speak the native language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would suggest that a student keep an open mind, and they will benefit most from this program if they actually care about Italian culture and lifestyle.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary Italian Cinema

Course Department: IS IS CC 300
Instructor: Umberto Gori
Instruction Language: Italian
Comments: Instructor, though knowledgeable, created a very lax classroom environment. Class was mostly watching movies from the past 50 years of Italian cinema; however, I learned much about Italian culture and politics through these movies.
Credit Transfer Issues: I do not think there were any problems with the transfer of credit.
Course Name/Rating:

History of the Italian Renaissance

Course Department: LA HS IR 330
Instructor: Andrea Galdy
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was a mix of lecture and field trips. The field trips were relevant and made the course material easy to relate to. The instructor was knowledgeable but a little disorganized.
Credit Transfer Issues: I do not think there were any problems with the transfer of credit.
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Art History

Course Department: LA AH AH 210
Instructor: Margherita Abbozzo
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The instructor cared deeply about the subject matter and the students' understanding of the development of art history. This was probably my most challenging class. The professor made effective use of time during field trips, so we were able to see and appreciate as much art as possible.
Credit Transfer Issues: I do not think there were any problems with the transfer of credit.
Course Name/Rating:

History of the Medici Family

Course Department: LA HS FM 330
Instructor: Sara Piccolo Paci
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The field trips in this course brought me off the beaten path of typical Florentine sites, so I explored places I would not have otherwise seen. The instructor was very knowledgeable, but lectures were a bit difficult because of the language barrier and the professor's poor English translations of her notes.
Credit Transfer Issues: I do not think there were any problems with the transfer of credit.