Amazing cultural experience, lacking in language development Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/10/2018 to 01/31/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Cultural exposure and a great time. It was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

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? 80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No

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? Advanced
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? 252
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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 city
  • The food
  • Taking classes with Italians
* What could be improved?
  • The middlebury sede resources
  • More guidance
  • Better living options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That we would be on our own

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:

Italian language and culture

Course Department: Italian
Instructor: Eduardo tacchi
Instruction Language: Italian
Comments: It was italian 252
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Italian literature

Course Department: Literature
Instructor: Biondi
Instruction Language: Italian
Comments: Very interesting and challenging
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Linguistics

Course Department: Language
Instructor: Ida trucci
Instruction Language: Italian
Comments: Interesting and learned a lot but not related to Italy really
Credit Transfer Issues: