Eye-Opening Experience in Florence Past Review
By A student (Art History, Criticism and Conservation., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/22/2012 to 12/07/2012 with
AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program
I learned to follow my instincts and balance different aspects of my life. It was definitely worthwhile because it gave me the opportunity to completely remove myself from my "comfort zone," which is when you begin to understand who you are.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The professors were definitely some of the most informed and interesting I've had in my undergraduate experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrative staff was incredibly easy to work with and adaptable to situations. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a gorgeous apartment in an incredibly convenient location right along the Arno River and about a ten minute walk from school. I lived with seven girls, but the apartment had plenty of space for all of us. |
| * Food: |
The meal plan included tickets that we could use at specific restaurants throughout Florence. The food was excellent overall. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt relatively integrated with the local culture. My only wish was that we were around more Italians in the classroom. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
A doctor was readily accessible. |
| * Safety: |
Florence felt very safe. Obviously, in any foreign country you have to maintain a heightened awareness of your surroundings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
The meals were included in the program's fees, but Florence overall was rather expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Avoid buying food in areas of the city with lots of tourists; these areas are where you will be ripped off with poor quality and high prices. |
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? | I had not taken Italian prior to departure. |
| 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? | Engage with locals by visiting places or spots with less English-speakers. Also take advantage of any opportunities your program offers that gives you exposure to the 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? | There is nothing I wish I had known before going on this program. |
