Studying Abroad in Florence, Italy.. An experience I'll never forget. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic workload abroad was very similar, if not a bit more manageable, compared to the workload here at UWL. I only had classes four days a week, 1-2 classes a day. The classes were longer then I was used to. I had two that were a little more then two hours long ... but other then that, it was nice to have a four day weekend every week to explore, hang with new friends, and travel.

On-site administration of your program

The program I studied abroad through was API (Academic Programs International). I could not say enough good things about it. From the moment you step off the plane till the day you say your final goodbyes, they are beyond accommodating. Anything you need, anything at all, the program leaders are just a phone call away. If you have questions about traveling, if you're homesick, or if you're uncomfortable with your living situation, they are always willing to help. Most, if not all the program leaders are native to the area, so they also have good recommendations of places to eat, hang out, etc. By the time I left, my program leaders were not just helpful "guides" or "mentors," they were my friends. Without a doubt, you can expect the best when you travel abroad with API.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing was arranged through API. I lived in a small, adorable, Italian, apartment with four other American girls from different parts of the state. The house was very small, but it was functional and included almost everything we needed. The only "out of the ordinary" items I chose to purchase were new bed sheets and bath towels. Similar to any "roommate housing" situation, the girls and I rotated buying the usual toilette paper, dish soap, paper towels, etc. No one in the house new each other prior to meeting abroad, and, luckily, it worked out in our favor. We all brought something different to the house which made for a fun and unique experience.

I studied abroad in ITALY (the pasta and pizza capital of the world). I am, ironically, gluten intolerant (which means I can't eat flour..a.ka. pizza and pasta), and yet I still chose to study abroad in Italy. Being gluten intolerant in Italy is surprisingly not difficult. All my gluten-free groceries could be found in pharmacies and many grocery stores which are located quite abundantly all over Italy. Also, unlike many Americans, Italians are very familiar with gluten intolerances or Celiac's disease, and if mentioned while dining at a restaurant, most restaurants will either direct you to the items you CAN eat on the menu or often they do, in fact, carry gluten free products such as pasta, crackers, or pizza crusts that you can choose from.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everything you experience abroad will be memorable - friends, travel, mistakes, adventures, goodbyes and hellos. Put yourself out there and do things you've never done before (but be safe), and you can't go wrong.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

API is very clear about what is considered safe and unsafe behavior when studying abroad. Bottom line, especially for women, don't walk alone at night (just like you shouldn't walk alone at night in the United States). No matter where you go in the world, there is always going to be some level of "danger." Whether it's an abundance of "pick-pocketers," designated "unsafe areas" or something more drastic, the most important thing you can do for yourself and anyone else is BE AWARE; And BE CONSCIOUS of who you travel with, where you choose to wander at night, and know how to reach someone if a dangerous situation presents itself. I felt extremely safe studying in Florence. It's a beautiful city, with beautiful, friendly people in it. At the same time, however, I was a conscious traveler, and I think that saved me from experiencing some "not so pleasant events" like pick-pocketing.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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