Italy is Beautiful Past Review

By (Sociology., Austin College) for

ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely, I am more independent and gained a deeper understanding of what Italy is all about.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was fairly manageable, the grading system was easy to understand and fair. The professors often used powerpoint and had different methods of teaching.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was not enough time to add or drop classes, we only had a week to change our schedule.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The local food markets are amazing, the vendors are very friendly.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program was very helpful, the Connecting Cultures meets were very beneficial.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Florence is very safe, walking around at night I felt safe.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 15 Euros, I went to local markets.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There is no tax in Italy.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The excursions
  • The staff
* What could be improved?
  • The price
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Study italian before you go abroad, it will make your transition easier.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Gender Relations in Italian Society

Course Department: IS IS IS 320
Instructor: Valentina Dolara
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class wasn't very challenging, but the material within the course was fascinating and relevant to the topics being discussed. The teacher was very knowledgable and always well-prepared. I participated in class more than I would have at my home university.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Art History

Course Department: LA AH AH 210
Instructor: Caterina Romei
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course is perfect to take because you are in the heart of the art capital of the world. The instructor was very passionate about the material. The trips to the museums were all relevant to the course and the time period of art that the class was covering at the time.
Credit Transfer Issues: