Florence: The Best Academic and Cultural Immersian Program Past Review
By A student (Theater and Sociology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/11/2013 to 05/11/2013 with
Sarah Lawrence in Florence
I learned the most about myself and what I want out of life. I learned that I love the Italian people, the food, the language, everything.
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. |
This program is academically rigorous and the classes witch to Italian half way through the semester. The classes and professors however are wonderful. You take three classes and then have three conferences with your professor every other week where you discuss a personal project you will do outside of class (typically a 10-20page paper). It is the typical Sarah Lawrence way. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrators were incredible. They pushed us to learn the language and helped us with anything we needed. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I started off with a host family that was awful. Finally I spoke up and switched homestays in the last three weeks of the program. That family was incredible and I loved them. |
| * Food: |
It's Italy, so of course they can all cook well! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I made a few Italian friends towards the end but I wish I had known the language better sooner. This is the only program in Florence that really immerses you in the culture. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had laryngitis while I was in Florence and my program and insurance were easy to use. The administrator told me where to go at what time and gave me the easy directions. The doctor was kind and getting my antibiotics were easy. It was much less formal than at home but I got taken care of. |
| * Safety: |
Wonderfully safe. You can walk around at 3am and there are people walking on the streets. |
| 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) |
It's expensive, especially since the exchange rate isn't that great. If you dont plan on traveling that much you will be fine on a little money. But if you want to travel, prepare for lots of expenses. |
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 |
We spoke Italian a majority of our time at school and in everyday life. Host families don't speak much English so you are forced to speak the language. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Just talk in Italian. Conversational Italian is the most important in Florence. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had known how small the program was and that most of the students were from Sarah Lawrence. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
