great time - study abroad in Florence Past Review

By (English/Philosophy, Illinois State University) - abroad from 01/29/2013 to 05/18/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in Italy

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

some of my classes weren't very interesting which made it hard for them to be enjoyable. they were not challenging enough.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

great advisors.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

no living room, the kitchen was too small. but I liked my bedroom with own bathroom. internet was not the best and had to replace washer.

* Food:

Italian food is great.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

wish Florence was not so touristy.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

40 euro to see the doctor is not a reasonable price for students, especially with insurance.

* Safety:

felt safe with locks on door.

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? 40 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? don't eat out so much in the beginning.

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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? speak it in restaurants, etc

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • food
  • Italians
  • traveling
* What could be improved?
  • classes
  • living with Americans
  • library hours
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Italian is not easy to learn in three and a half months

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.