Best Experience of My Life Past Review

By (Business Administration, Trinity University) - abroad from 05/15/2013 to 06/28/2013 with

Gonzaga University: Gonzaga-in-Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about myself, I learned to be independent and it was the most worthwhile experience I have ever had.

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

Great, fun, and helpful staff

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

we stayed in pensione's that make you homemade meals. Great food and friendly service and good accommodations.

* 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:

I never felt unsafe in Florence.

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)

Europe is very expensive and buying dinner every night adds up.

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

I took Italian which encouraged me to use the language but otherwise would not have used 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? none
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
  • Hotel
* 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?
  • People
  • Classes
  • Staff
* What could be improved?
  • None
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring more than one jacket

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Florence of the Medici

Course Department:
Instructor: Mercedes Carrara
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Extremely relevant class, you learn all the history of Florence and get to go to all the main museums of Florence for free and with a knowledgable tour guide.
Credit Transfer Issues: