A Great Time in Florence Past Review

By (Marketing., Saint Josephs University) - 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?
The culture of Italy was amazing and I brought some back with me. It was definitely worth while to see how others live.

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:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

it depends on what was happening that week.

* 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? approx. $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? don't go out to eat as much, pick travel locations wisely and plan ahead

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? None
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? advanced
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? even when Italians try to speak English to you, still try to practice your Italian, it will definitely help

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • how accessible everything was
  • had activities planned ahead if we were interested
  • some wonderful proffessors
* What could be improved?
  • our apartment wasn't the best
  • some classes i won't reccomend
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? that you need a lot of money for traveling, paying for food, etc.