Under the Tuscan Sun Past Review
By Betsy C (Nursing., Berea College) - abroad from 05/23/2012 to 06/23/2012 with
AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program
I learned so much about the Italian culture. Everything about the program was worthwhile. Not only did I learn so much about Italy and its people, but I also learned so much about myself. I loved going by myself and not knowing anyone before I went. I know that some people are very nervous to do that, but it was the best decision I made. I will never forget this trip; It was the best thing I've ever experienced.
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. |
Classes were not too rigorous, but you learned so much about the country and its culture. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The girls at the front desk were amazing! They were so helpful and always there for support! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The homestay was amazing! I learned so much while being in a true Italian home with a true Italian family! I will never forget them. |
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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
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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) |
Italy was very expensive. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Always be careful with the money exchange rate. That was what killed me the first week and a half. Not only was the euro more expensive, but the British pound was almost twice the amount of a dollar. It took a lot of my money. |
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? | 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? | 3 years of Spanish |
| 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? | Always use as much of the language in public places, and do NOT expect the foreigners to know English. Respect them by at least trying to use their language. |
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 how much money I would be spending, and that I didn't have to bring my laptop. It would have given me a lot more room in my carry-on. |
