Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Florence: My Home Away From Home Past Review

By (SUNY - Stony Brook) - abroad from 08/29/2018 to 12/13/2018 with

Florence University of The Arts: Florence - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have a greater love and appreciation for the Italian language and culture and people. I loved FUA and their amazing faculty and staff, and I would do it all over again if I could.

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.

The professors at FUA are prestigious, knowledgable in their content areas and professional. I enjoyed studying and learned a great deal under all of the professors who taught me.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff at FUA was very warm, helpful and took all matters seriously. Their main building is always filled with advisors who were ready to help. I appreciated how there were many different FUA sites throughout the city.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was beautiful, not far from the city center, and close to local pharmacies/food stores. When I arrived, the apartment was clean, roomy, and more than satisfactory for my roommates and I to live there.

* Food:

FUA offers a well organized type of "meal plan" system where their student-run restaurants offer high quality dishes and delicacies. I was never disappointed with this system.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt embraced by the local culture, who were open, warm and friendly. I loved being a part of it and participating in Florentine activities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issues with the Italian health care I used.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Florence and especially through FUA. The university does a great job of reviewing important safety measure to take that

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I had the pleasure of studying abroad in Florence, Italy about two years ago. As an Italian major, this was perfect for me. I believe I was fully immersed in the language, rich culture, and warm community that Florence had to offer. Through Florence University of the Arts, I took language and culture courses, participated in two internships, and even got to teach in a bilingual elementary school. The university offered possibilities I couldn't even dream of. I was able to truly get a glimpse of what teaching Italian would look like, and this experience made me love it even more! Between the helpful staff at FUA, the prestigious professors, and global ties that the university offers, I would recommend studying here to not just Italian majors, but to students of ALL majors.

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)

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

Services like Chat Pal, Host family dinners, and staying with a host family were just some of the many features that FUA offers to engage in the Italian language and culture

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
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? Get involved in the many programs that FUA has to offer, learn useful phrases to get started in speaking with natives.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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?
  • City
  • Internship at bilingual school
  • culture walks
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
  • n/a
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I participated in more activities/event that FUA offered.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!