Beautiful Past Review
By Brian Neagle (University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/07/2020 to 05/02/2020 with
International Studies Institute / ISI Florence
so much cultural insight. very worthwhile. An eye opening experience
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
did not love going up 140 stairs every day but it kept me in shape! |
| * Food: |
Food was amazing |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
had no medical experience (aside from global pandemic) |
| * Safety: |
the city feels very safe, but there are people who had things stolen. Keep a small bag where you can put your phone and money. Stay clear of people trying to sell small bracelets or things like that. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Well we got our experience cut short, so i would love to go back. But i really loved all my classes and professors, and Florence is honestly the most beautiful city we saw while we were there |
Finances
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* 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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
i spent most of my money in the first month when we were settling. It was not hard to spend less than 100$ a week when you get in the groove of it. I spent probably closer to 50$ a week on food |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It depends. In about 2 months including multiple trips i think i spent between 1500-2000$ total |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | dont eat out every night. Make food with your friends!!! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
especially at markets or breakfast places |
| 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 5 |
| 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? | Use it whenever you can |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Pack less |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
