Life-Changing Experiences in Florence Past Review
By Gina Tonno (University of Rhode Island) - abroad from 01/17/2016 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?
My experience abroad was the best decision I made while in college. I gained so much from my 4 months abroad that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. Living in Florence and traveling throughout Europe opened my eyes to what else is out there in the world. I was able to not only explore the world, but also explore myself and gain a greater sense of self and who I am as an individual. I gained a much stronger sense of independence while also meeting some of the most wonderful people. Living day to day was an adventure in itself and I was able to see life's endless opportunities and possibilities and how important it is to share my experiences with the world. My experience was definitely worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
AIFS Richmond in Florence was all I could have ever hoped for and more. The program and the experiences exceeded my expectations and if given the chance I would do it again! |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200-$250 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan out a budget in advance and have an idea of how much traveling/shopping you would like to do |
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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I had never taken Italian before studying abroad |
| 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? | Use it out when speaking with locals and in everyday life situations such as ordering meals, shopping, etc. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Interact more with locals, do the volunteer program, take advantage of every single day because you wont be living there forever so don't say no to a life changing opportunity. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
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