A time of growth and unforgettable experiences Past Review

By A student (PSYCHOLOGY., Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 08/27/2014 to 12/04/2014 with

AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned how to travel alone with confidence, work with people who are different than I am, and experience different cultures. All the hassle of paperwork and financial stress that comes with a study abroad trip was completely worth it.

Review Photos

AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

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?	I was really surprised how large the apartments were as well as how convenient they were
* Food:	GREAT meal plan around Florence
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	They offered us opportunities to meet and greet with Italians.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
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?	About €100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Go with a program that offers a meal plan. Mine did and it was amazing.

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?	None
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?	I took three years of Spanish, but it did not help with Italian.
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?	Try and talk as much as possible with locals. It helps and they enjoy you trying to learn their culture.

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?	0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Meal plan staff florence
* What could be improved?	speed of transfer credits
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I would have learned to pack light as well as had more information on how to fill out the pre-departure forms for A&M.

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 Networker An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Italian Literature in Translation
Course Department:	Liberal Arts
Instructor:	Debora Chellini
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was an appropriately challenging course. We went on several field trips throughout Florence that showed us important sights that affected Dante. Professor Chellini was very passionate about the material and our learning. I felt that I participated more in this class than I usually do at A&M. In this class I was asked to complete a research paper, project, mid-term, final and read several books.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Yes. I would suggest to go through an A&M program so that there is no confusion about transfer credits.