Incredibly enrichening experience that vastly broadened my horizons. May 18, 2022

By (Architecture, University of Hartford) - abroad from 02/03/2022 to 04/30/2022 with

International Studies Institute / ISI Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Jut how much more diverse the world is outside of such a huge and homogenized country as the USA is.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

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

The most valuable thing while being abroad is learning about a different culture and location, and being immersed with fascinating subjects was most informative. The most amazing part was the city, Florence: living for 3 months in the birthplace of the Renaissance was the best experience of my life.

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 found it very feasible to acquire a week's worth of groceries for under 30 euros.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go out to eat every night, and when you do, remember that it shouldn't cost more than 12 euros for really good pasta.

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

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Always try to converse with employees in restaurants and stores in Italian, you'll become much more comfortable speaking it if you use it outside the classroom.

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?
  • Florence.
  • The courses I took.
  • Facilities.
* What could be improved?
  • Duration of the semester.
  • Heating.
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Some beginner Italian; my class schedule day by day, hour by hour, I actually wish that I was able to see the times of the classes while I was signing up for them, it ended up being a trial and error process because. of this.

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!