I loved Florence Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/06/2017 to 06/29/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So worthwile, learned so much about how to live/navigate on my own.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The only comment I have is in terms of the language pledge, as the varying levels (including intermediate and beginning italian students) made it very difficult to uphold the language pledge as it felt exclusionary. Overall, it created a weird atmosphere and I think this should be re-evaluated in terms of requiring at least a basic understanding of italian before enrolling in the program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Although the Middlebury team did not find housing for me, I really liked the arrangements I found on my own.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I liked the idea of the language exchange, but thought it was poorly executed and felt superficial.

* 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 would because I absolutely LOVED Florence and my time there, but I would like to get a more focused ability to learn italian in a city that does not have such a tourist presence (for example, I visited Turin and absolutely loved it)

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? 75/100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set a budget! Shop in grocery stores outside of the city center.

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

See earlier comment on the varying levels of proficiency in the Florence program.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300
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? do an internship, live with italians.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The independence
* What could be improved?
  • Available Support
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The language pledge with american friends will be hard to uphold.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Migrant Literature of Italy

Course Department: Literature
Instructor: Pinzi
Instruction Language: Italian
Comments: I really liked this and found it very interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues: None.