Skipping the dorm living stage and straight into true independent living. Past Review
By Mackenzie M (PSYCHOLOGY., Colby-Sawyer College) for
AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program
I think it was worth while because out of it i understood the challenges that come along with living on your own and with roommates.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I think our workload compared to the social aspect of the trip were pretty even. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was very organized and they kept us busy and had a lot of activities set up for us to enjoy which i enjoyed very much. I think the italian class was a weakness for the program because it was not as educational as the other classes and did not seem to be on the same level. |
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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
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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? | I think this was a large problem for many students on teh trip. We had to provide ourselfs with simple things such a toilet paper and new lightbulbs which i do not believe a lot of students had money for or were prepared for, including myself. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I think we should of been for told that we would have to provide everything for ourselves minus fernature and bedding. But that we would have to provide our own food, water, and simple living nesessities. |
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Remebemer this is not a vacation, this trip is very expensive and you will have to provide yourself with your own supplies. |
