Florence- the best place and best semester of my life! Past Review
By Molly Koon (University of New Hampshire) - abroad from 01/24/2017 to 05/11/2017 with
Academic Studies Abroad: Study Abroad in Florence, Italy
I gained independence, the aspect of self security, social skills, and learned so much about Europe as a whole and how to adapt to their culture. Worthwhile 100%.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The education aspect was not intense. There were assignments but they were occasional and the only exams were midterms and finals. This left me plenty of time to travel. All classes were mandatory to attend but the professors make the class interesting and most are discussion based. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my apartment. It was small but perfect location and was authentic. |
| * Food: |
Best food you'll have in your life. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt relatively integrated. If I could do it again I would involve myself in the community more. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Chiara was always available for a reference however most things are available at the drug store that we would need a prescription for. Otherwise we had access to a doctor and Chiara would come if we wanted. |
| * Safety: |
Always felt safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program made me feel prepared, safe, secure and independent. |
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) |
Florence itself is not an expensive place. you can definitely budget well (I just don't well). |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Go out for lunch more than dinner- less expensive. Stand at cafes- it costs more to sit. Grocery shop-very inexpensive. Don't clothes shop all the time! Minimize bags bought- they're addicting. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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 to spend more time in Florence and less time traveling. There's always time to travel but not always time to live in Florence, Italy. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
