I love Europe. Past Review
By Jon N (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Marywood University) for
AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program
I can't wait to go back.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The professors understood that we were abroad and that a good deal of our learning experience came from our being able to travel and generally assimilate into the culture of the host country. That being said, the courses were challenging enough that we still learned a great deal. Perhaps my favorite part of the classroom experience was getting perspectives on certain issues, e.g. political issues, from professors who were not American. It was fascinating to learn about how other countries and other people in those countries thought of themselves in relation to the United States. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The faculty were very helpful. There were very few times when the faculty didn't understand what we wanted, and these times were often widely accepted and very curious. It was fascinating to learn differences between our cultures which led to confusion. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
We had "meal tickets" that we were allowed to use in various restaurants all throughout the city. We were also supplied with "gift cards" to the grocery store so we could buy our own foods and drinks there. The restaurants where we were allowed to use our vouchers were very legit restaurants, not just dinky little places. Very very pleased with the food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Rented car and drove all through France. Omg. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Never felt "unsafe." |
| 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? | The trip was expensive. The clothes were irresistible lol. The food was mostly taken care of through the program. Souvenirs and alcoholic drinks added up. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Not too many unanticipated expenses. Drink less alcohol and you won't have money trouble. You are much better off drinking less and traveling more. Plan on spending lots of money while you are abroad. And spend it on traveling. Take advantage of being abroad to see more of the world rather than seeing lots of barrooms. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced the language in the classroom. I did generally use the language in everyday interactions, i.e. ordering food or asking for directions. A good deal of people did speak English, and language was, generally speaking, not an issue. The best practice in learning the language was using it in everyday situations. |
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? | Keep your mind open. Don't worry about your family and friends. Don't spend all your money on booze. |
