A Dream Come True Past Review

By A student (Accounting and Related Services., Florence University of the Arts) - abroad from 05/13/2013 to 06/21/2013 with

Study Abroad Europe: Florence - Semester, Summer and Short Term Programs at Florence University of the Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I gained valuable insight into the adaptability it takes to integrate into a foreign country. There is a lot to keep in mind concerning cultural views of Americans and specific tips on the city's quirks. It was more than worthwhile, it is one of my most cherished memories of my college career.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 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:	Food was not provided by the program. However, the food that I was able to have on my own was delicious.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I never had any need for health care. However, those that I had seen that did were treated quickly and seemed to have the necessary access to help.
* 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)	It is honestly not easy to live on a budget. Groceries are expensive and utensils to cook with are minimal. I at least went out to dinner on most occasions, which also becomes expensive.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Try to only go out once a day or less if possible. Avoid the tourist trap restaurants by investing in a travel guide, for it will advise you on the restaurants to attend and avoid.

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?	Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	None
How many hours per day did you use the language?	0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	It was easy and fun to pick up the important phrases while there. However, it is not necessary to be fluent for the program.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans
* 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?	Cultural Integration Freedom of choice with activities Introduction to students across the world
* What could be improved?	Some apartments were too full of people and not adequately spaced for it Cooking utensils were very minimal to use within the apartments and did not allow for too much cooking Ganzo did not have enough seating
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I had known the amount of resources offered by both the host institution and Bus 2 Alps to travel throughout the country and continent, I would have taken more advantage of them.

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 Avid Adventurer The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Art of the Italian Family Business
Course Department:
Instructor:	Sandra Nannini
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was an incredibly entertaining course. We were blessed with wonderful opportunities to view the operations of real family businesses that gave us valuable and interesting information about the cultural aspects of family business in Italy.
Credit Transfer Issues: