Every second was a highlight Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Fairfield 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?
I learned how to be independent and self-reliant. I learned how to make worthwhile friendships in a short amount of time. Study abroad was my most worthwhile college experience to date.

Review Photos

Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy Photo 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? None

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? 50 Euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking at home saves money

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced level Italian course
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? Go to shops and restaurants that are not often visited by Americans/English speakers. Travel to places that are not typical tourist spots. Then you'll be forced to speak Italian. Visit relatives if you have them, often times they don't speak English and you'll be forced to use the language

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?
  • The living arrangements
  • The courses offered
  • The helpfulness of the program directors
* What could be improved?
  • The Italian language courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how quickly Euros leave your bank account. I wouldn't have spent so much in the beginning and had more for the end of the semester.