Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Adventure to Never Ever Foreget Past Review

By (Public Health Pre-Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/19/2016 to 05/05/2016 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 be fully independent, how to think critically, and stay calm in stressful situations. I gained cultural competency and learned about a new culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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?

Housing was fantastic, so close to the city. I was in a cute, authentic neighborhood away from the touristy areas. I had a full bed!

* Food:

It's Florence, Italy. That right there should be enough. There was an incredible, cheap meal program that allowed us to try 25+ restaurants all over Florence. It was magical!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived all by Italians. Every day I went to coffee shops and cafés full of Italian people. I got to know the workers and practiced my Italian. Dinners with Italians also allowed me to me locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any serious issues. Buy your own advil, it is not cheap over there.

* Safety:

I never ever felt unsafe in Florence. There are almost always people around, and the city is brightly lit at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Everything was so smooth, there was so much on sight support. You could tell the local staff loved their job and wanted us to have the best experience possible. They plan a trip to Venice for you! There are so many activities you can do.

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)

The meal program made it very affordable. It depends on how much you choose to travel, because that is where you will spend a lot of your money.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy plane or train tickets as early as possible.

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

I loved how much I got to practice my Italian. My Italian class was my favorite class I took. The teacher was absolutely wonderful, and she hosted a dinner party at her house at the end of the year.

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? none
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? Practice, practice, practice. You will miss it, and it is so fun speaking. Don't be afraid to talk to locals. They will appreciate you trying to speak their language.

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?
  • Meal Program
  • The City
  • Activities Such as Cooking Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe apartments closer to one another
  • More interaction with students our age if possible
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack less and leave more room to take things home. I wish I would have bought more clothes. European clothes are cuter.

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.