Florence I miss you Past Review

By (Notre Dame of Maryland University) - abroad from 01/04/2017 to 04/29/2017 with

International Studies Institute / ISI Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be alone and that it is okay to do things alone.

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.

Classes were okay i would have preferred more discussion based lessons and a bit more of a challenge

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Student services were phenomenal Miranda was so helpful. Housing staff were decent. the volunteer coordinator was great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

15 people is too many for one apartment

* Food:

its italy food is great

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My museum internship helped integrate more

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

they gave me dayquil over the counter and it was like 9 euros like damn. i only had colds

* Safety:

safe during the day just watch your belongings and at night travel in groups and watch out

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)

I lived on about 90-100 euros a week but i cooked a lot and did not go out drinking that often

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 90-100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? dont party every night

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

we had class everyday i ordered food in italian

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? french at high level
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? food

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • classes
  • internship opportunity
  • student services
* What could be improved?
  • housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about living on my own and dealing with roommates and that it is okay to not go out and party all the time. Also it is possible to lose weight while studying abroad

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!