Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Summer Study in Florence: Best Summer of My Life! Past Review

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University of California EAP (UCEAP): Florence - Summer Language & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I wish I could do it over and over again every summer. It was that amazing.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload is manageable, however the number of hours spent in the classroom is a bit excessive. Part of the study broad experience is actual traveling, and with a 12pm-7pm M-F schedule, it is kind of hard to do.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff is amazing at the UC Florence Study Center. The housing director, Daniella, and the program advisor, Michelangelo, are two that stood out to me for the good relationships with the students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Yellow Bar in Florence is amazing! However, try and cook at home. It saves a lot of money.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The trip to Siena, amazing!! Also, a farewell dinner at a beautiful villa in Florence.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Never had any safety issues.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I had to use Italian everywhere, which made it far easier to learn than in a classroom back at Riverside.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The staff.
* What could be improved?
  • The number of hours spent in the classroom. Were in Italy, we want to see it all!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you have any doubts, forget about them. Studying abroad will be the best experience of your life.