Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Florence- An amazing place to study Art History and Museology Past Review

By (Western Washington University) - abroad from 08/21/2013 to 12/06/2013 with

AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to complete an amazing internship at Museo Bellini and would do anything to do it again. I had a single project while I was abroad and I "graduated" from Bellini University and the collection will now carry my name.

Review Photos

AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence Photo AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence Photo AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence Photo AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence Photo

Personal Information

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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?

I ended up being very ill in italy and got to discover all sorts of aspects of italian healthcare.

* Safety:

Florence is an amazing city but be careful after dark when you get into those smaller streets

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 246
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? set yourself a budget and keep track of it in a little book that fits in your bag

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

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 101
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? Go to a bar (cafe) and befriend the barista. Go everyday and chat

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • friendly staff
  • host family options
  • location
* What could be improved?
  • food ticket options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would be as sick as I was

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!