Finding Myself in Florence Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Providence College) for

Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to consider the beliefs and opinions of the Italian people. One must strive to gain a worldly perspective on international relations in order to become a well-rounded individual.

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:

Local food was excellent.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I enjoyed traveling to Siena and Pienza with my classmates. Very well organized.

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Preparing meals a few times a week at home makes a huge difference financially.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I spoke Italian while interacting with the local people, namely shop owners.

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Escape your comfort zone; this is a once in a lifetime experience.