Saved a little piece of my heart in Florence, Italy! Past Review
By Eli (University of California - Davis) - abroad from 08/28/2017 to 12/16/2017 with
University of California - Davis: Florence - Renaissance Italy and the Birth of Modern Europe
I’ve gained more of a sense of independence.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
On-site staff were the best!!! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living in the center of Florence with other students in the program and also surrounded by Italian locals. Very authentic experience |
| * Food: |
The best food ever!! Bruschetta and pasta for days!!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
From Day 1 until the end, I’d the entire program over. This felt like a life-changing experience that only those who participated would be able to fully understand. From the classes to aimless exploring, it was all worth it. |
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) |
I could’ve been much better when budgeting money especially with being there for four months. Though most of my money went on either food or travel. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget! Budget! Budget! Save when and where you can. For example, if traveling, the students can save money by booking trips in advance and booking trips with airlines like Ryanair. Ryanair has some of the best deals when traveling throughout Europe. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | 0. I learned other languages before my departure. |
| 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? | Don’t be afraid to speak the language! Practice is the only way to get better! Talk to a local or 2 or 3 or more because it’s worth it in the end. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | I wish I knew more in terms of budgeting and also culture shock, not only when going, but also when returning. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
