Study Abroad in Florence Past Review
By Megan P (Industrial Engineering., University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for
AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program
The experience was more than worthwhile. I loved the food, the culture, and the people. The program was great.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Richmond |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was light for the most part. It was easy to learn because the classes were casually conducted by, obviously, locals with great knowledge and interest of what they were teaching. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were organized and offered great extra opportunities, |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was on the rougher side of town and kind of dirty. It also had no air-conditioning. However, my apt was probably the worst one of the program, and it was still fine to live in for 30 days. |
| * Food: |
The restaurants were great, amazing food and service for the most part, and convenient. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I met great people and got to experience great cultural events, like the gelato festival, an orchestra, and a play in the Boboli Gardens. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I got sick more than once, and they were very helpful. I went to an English-speaking doctor from the UK. It was not stressful at all. |
| 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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke English, but I enjoyed using my new Italian skills to converse with locals. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take advantage of everything they offer! It's worthwhile, even if your friends you've met aren't participating, it's a good way to meet other interesting people you may not be super close with on your trip. |
