Italy: La Dolce Vita Past Review
By Victoria S (Illustration, English and Textual Studies, Syracuse University) for
Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence
I was able to breathe, take a step back and look at my college decisions. I learned through different aspects of the culture, more about my self, my goals, and my own culture. This challenges me to think about ways that I can make an impact in the world, as an educated citizen.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The professors know that being abroad is a different time in your academic career to explore not only new studies, but cultures, places, and people. They also know about the restrictions the culture has on doing work, so the work-load is very manageable and the classes are very enlightening, and push you to think about your own culture and placement in the world. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt that the program worked very well. The only weakness may be that they don't push more Italian language. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Good food in Italy. Tuscan- food is known to be the "food of the farmer" but the freshness of the produce is why the food is prepared so simply. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
So many programs offered to help you engage with the community and the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Florence is mainly a safe city, just be smart about where you are and who you are with. The program provides healthcare for appointments and check-ups and their are very helpful. I never needed to use the healthcare, but it was reassuring to know that the program had it if needed. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The school provided programs for students to practice their language skills and become involved in the community. I joined through Option 2 where we took language classes in the international italian language school and after, we had conversation courses. I highly recommend this option. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be as involved as you can in the SUF program, it is rewarding and you learn so much more about the country and yourself that way! |
