Unforgettable learning experience Past Review

By (Sarah Lawrence College) - abroad from 02/06/2017 to 06/02/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that it is a good thing to push yourself and try new things even if they are really scary, like moving to Italy not knowing any Italian.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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

I feel that as a beginner when coming into the program I was very nervous to fully immerse myself in Italian culture, but I felt that by the end of my time in Florence I was fully able to say I learned more than I thought I would, get a good handle on a new language, and made forever friendships with the people in my program

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? 20 euros a week on average
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try and plan out what you are going to spend before you start the week and try and save money before you go

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? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Immerse yourself in the country and culture as much as you can

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • The family I lived with
  • The food
  • Learning a new language
* What could be improved?
  • The organization of the program
  • Integration with locals
  • more chances to get to know the culture
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have made a more conscious effort to connect with other students my age from florence. I thought it was going to be easier to connect with people my age

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.