Trying to live Authentically in Florence Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

In Florence the classes are fun and thoroughly interesting. The professors are intelligent and very approachable. Most classes take you out into Florence itself to experience subject material first hand. Overall the classes are an enriching experience.

On-site administration of your program

Joanne Maddux & Amelia Curotto are both awesome! They are so down to earth and easy to talk to if you have any problems. Even if you don't have any problems I would encourage you to get to know them! They are attentive and very professional with all of your needs and questions. I was really impressed with them both.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living in apartments is a great opportunity to meet new friends and get an authentic feel for living like an Italian. My apartment was not the largest or the most stylish out of all of the student apartments I saw, but it was great just the same. Most of the apartments are in residential areas so as you live there you will become friendly with your neighborhood shopkeepers and the usual passerby! One thing to remember is that its Italy and not the US. Living without luxuries like a constantly hot shower or a dryer are things you will have to grow accustomed to. It's not the Dark Ages, it simply is another way of life. Embrace it, live with it, and you will enjoy the benefits even more when you get back home!

It's Italy what more can you say?! Grocery stores are accessible and easy to figure out. Be sure to weigh and put a price sticker on veggies and fruits prior to going to the check out. Take advantage of open air markets like San Lorenzo and San Ambrogio. There are restaurants and cafes everywhere!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I can see how it can be easy in Florence only to interact with Americans. It is such a student city with tons of other study abroad programs. My friends and I were fortunate enough to make Italian friends which was an incredible experience. Before you go ask yourself if you simply want to live your regular lifestyle in foreign scenery or if you would like to embrace a new culture. Your answer to that question will determine the kind of cultural experience you will have. Either way is still great it's just up to you!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

You can easily get needed medicine at pharmacies, but practice what you need to say in Italian. Many I went to did not speak English. Also, they have very different hours than the ones we have at home. Use the internet as a resource for pill instructions as well as hours of operations.

Florence is a very safe city. Although I would not recommend walking alone late at night. Also beware of pickpockets in touristy areas. Just be smart as you would in any other city. I never felt unsafe in Florence.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I definitely spent more money than I expected to. Florence can be an expensive city. If you take art classes be prepared to spend quite a bit on supplies, otherwise books are pretty reasonable. I am an avid shopper and I went out every weekend so I spent a bit of money as you might expect. It could definitely be fairly easy to live in Florence on a tight budget although don't expect to go out to clubs & restaurants a lot and/or travel frequently.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans

• the people

• the home office