Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Amazing Experience Full of Growth Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., Austin College) - abroad from 01/13/2012 to 05/05/2012 with

AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was amazing! I would absolutely do it again! I am planning on going back as soon as possible. I learned a lot about who I really am, what I am capable of, and just what I want from life from being there. I also learned about my love of languages.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I am giving the academic rigor and intensity of the program three stars, but the program had IMMENSE resources, so I'm making the over all rating four stars.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was fantastic! They were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. They really took care of me!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

During my semester, I developed a bad case of Mononucleosis and had ot be taken to the local hospital to be checked out. Someone from the program escorted me to the hospital, translated for me, and waited for me the entire time. Everything there was extremely accessible, and not difficult to manage. Compared to the healthcare system here, the pharmacies were handled differently. Each pharmacy was equipped with an actual doctor, who was available for consultation. Also, many of the medications that require prescriptions in America do not in Italy, so It's easier to get what medications you need. In Italy, there were not any prevalent health issues, so I did not need any vaccines.

* Safety:

I was never concerned for my safety in Florence. It is a large city, with lots of tourists, so as long as you didn't do a lot of walking alone at night, you didn't really have any problems.

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)

* 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? Anywhere from $50 - $100 dollars depending on how many outings I went on.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

There was A LOT of encouragement. Taking Italian was required, they encouraged you to speak Italian with the administration staff, they offered dinners with local italians to learn more about the culture and language, and they had Italian students come in so there could be an Italian-English language exchange.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate Spansih
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? Speak the language with the locals!! Immersion is the absolute best way to learn a language. As much as you can try and speak the language while you're around the locals.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Assistance with my health problems.
  • Opportunities to learn more about the Italian language and culture.
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities for weekend trips.
  • Easier class drop policy.
  • Access to a MUCH better English speaking doctor.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What to bring and not to bring resources wise. I was a little scared about what I might need while abroad, so I brought way too much stuff.