Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Experience of My Life Past Review

By (English/Secondary Education, Providence College) - abroad from 01/22/2012 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 gained a more broad perspective of not only the world but also of myself as a person. I learned so much about the person I am while abroad and was able to realize the person that I want to be.

Review Photos

Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy Photo Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy Photo

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.

* 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? 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? $150

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? I had never taken an Italian language course prior to departure
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? Don't be shy to use the language as much as you possibly can. Use it in everyday situations such as ordering your food, shopping for groceries, or even with your taxi driver. These small instances will really help you improve the most.

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?
  • The program always was there to help with apartment problems
  • The program was always willing to address our concerns and questions
* What could be improved?
  • The first initial days of the program seem unorganized
  • The timing of the introduction and initial lectures of the program were overwhelming. We were all incredibly jet lagged and were expected to listen to lectures upon arrival.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know now that when you first arrive to Italy, you will be beyond exhausted and somewhat miserable. After the traveling and jet lag, the last thing you will want to do is attend your programs introductory lectures. However, I now know that it is beyond worth it, and studying abroad is the best experience of your life!