Florence: The Best 4 Months of My Life! Past Review

By (EDUCATION., Providence College) for

Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have become extremely independent and now feel that I could travel anywhere! I now have a better understanding of the Italian way of life and would love to go back after college. I am extremely happy that I was able to teach while studying because it reaffirmed my passion for education. However, now I am thinking that I would be interested in doing another abroad program once I have graduated so that I can teach English and get to know another culture simultaneously.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I had an excellent experience in Florence! At times I felt that the support services were difficult to receive. After Friday afternoon there was very little accessibility until Monday. However, all in all the program gave a great support system that I was able to utilize to guide me through my trip.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food in Italy was spectacular. I suggest that they include some type of voucher program or meal plan in the future because groceries became very expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I took a painting class during the semester and at the end of the program they had an art show to celebrate everyones hard work during the semester.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe throughout the entire semester. Students need to constantly watch their purses/ wallets while walking around, however, if you are observant you are completely safe. I injured my foot in March and went to see a local doctor that the program recommended. I was able to receive the medication that I needed for my infection.

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? Students need to save their pennies! Living abroad is EXTREMELY expensive and I wish I had saved more money. When traveling we tried to stay with friends in other countries so that we could cut out the cost of a hostel or hotel.

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?

Most people spoke English. However, I was able to practice my Italian with the students in my internship.

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? Go Go Go Go! This is a great program if you are interested in living in a foreign country. I absolutely loved Florence and was able to see many other countries while living there. Many weekends we did not want to travel because we found that there were so many things to do in Florence. A student who is ready to live on their own and get to know a new city should consider this program. I was able to make the most of every day and plan as many activities as possible during my stay.