Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Amazing Life Changing Experience Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/22/2012 to 12/07/2012 with

AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much from being abroad. I learned more in the past four months, than I have in my 20 years of living. It was absolutely amazing to see different cultures, and meet new people. I loved learning a new language, and being in a whole new environment. It was the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was always there if you needed them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were all really nice, and close to everything in the area.

* Food:

The meal plan was terrific. It was great to be able to try the different restaurants and get to eat real Italian food every day.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The administration did a good job helping us if we were sick.

* Safety:

I knew of a few people that got their wallets and phones stolen, but as long as you were careful it was fine.

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)

Since AIFS provided the meal plan, I didn't have a hard time living on a student's budget. If I didn't have the meal plan, I think it would have been very hard but that saved a lot of money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would definitely do a program that has a meal plan because that saves a lot of money on food. I would also save money for trips because that's where most of your money will go to. Don't buy unnecessary stuff while you're there.

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

We took the Italian language class while we were there, and during the 2 week orientation. Also, they had activities like "dinner with Italians" so we could practice using the language.

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? Intermediate
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? Download Rosetta Stone.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • orientation
  • meal plan
  • administration
* What could be improved?
  • courses
  • internship people should have done the same orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I didn't realize that the housing was actual real apartments and that you had to pay for electricity, WIFI and water.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.