A semester in Florence! January 31, 2024

By (Architecture, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/28/2023 to 12/22/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I love the Middlebury friends that I made, and I love the connections I made with my host family. I definitely grew linguistically.

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?

My host family is exactly what made this experience great. They were kind, supportive, and patient. They really wanted to take care of me, and they patiently spoke to me, which is where most of my language growth came from.

* Food:

My host mom made great food for me!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If I had traveled less, I could have integrated myself more.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have an experience with healthcare.

* Safety:

Florence is a really safe city. It's well-adjusted to American students.

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

My program was exactly what I needed it to be.

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)

It was fine! I was frugal some weeks, and other weeks I wanted to spend more.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about 30 per week on food. I spend a few hundred dollars for my weekends away, though.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Create a budget and keep it updated! That way you can keep track of your spending.

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? 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? ITAS 202
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? Stay engaged with locals.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • People
  • Language
  • Home stay
* What could be improved?
  • Administration. There are only two administrators, and they give varying levels of support depending on the students and their skillsets. They aren't great at helping with new/unfamiliar cases.
  • University classes. It's required to take a course at the University, but it's really hard to find one that meets Middlebury's requirements. It would be really great if the administration picked out 20 or so recommended classes for us, and we could use those as a guide.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I feel like my questions were pretty well answered before I left! I don't think I encountered anything brand new there.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'