Absolutely breathtaking. Florence is the best city in all of Europe Past Review
By Alexandria K (BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/08/2013 to 07/19/2013 with
Arcadia: Florence - Accademia Italiana Florence
Things like gaining a new perspective and having a global mindset did come, without me realizing, but that is also such a small part of what it means to study abroad. And the cheesy saying how you learn so much about yourself happened too, but there is a sort of dark matter in studying abroad, like in space that takes up 95% of the universe but nobody can quite pinpoint or understand what it is. People barely even know it exists, only by looking at the visible stuff can they understand what isn’t there. Dark matter sounds a little ominous and bad, but it is the best part and the part I can’t even understand myself which I got from study abroad. I know it is there, and it takes up so much more weight and importance than the cheesy sayings. I can’t say what it is though. I know I have transformed after going there. I am worldly and travelled and resolute in myself. And when I smile, it’s a knowing smile, one that has seen the most beautiful place on earth and that has lived among entirely different people. I wish I could say exactly what study abroad means to me, but it would need an entirely new language and vocabulary. The only definite thing I can say from study abroad is that I am going back. No doubt.
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. |
Easy Peasy classes, during the summer session at least. I took photography and art history, and they were absolutely the best classes to take. Fantastic teachers and not too challenging, which was perfect for summer. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were great during orientation taking us out for meals and helping us get acquainted with Florence. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Lived in an apartment! My mom is convinced there were bed bugs because we had new bug bites every morning, but I'm not sure. No AC which is tough in summer, but surprisingly spacious and nice! |
| * Food: |
Italy, enough said. Be careful because food goes bad quicker! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Absolutely. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There is an english speaking doctor close by. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe all the time, but I was careful to keep my purse close by and didn't walk anywhere alone, especially at night. |
| 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) |
I had cereal for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch and pasta for dinner. Going out is pretty expensive, so we only ever did that on the weekend when we traveled. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't eat out and go to aperitivo, which is 8 euros for a drink and appetizer buffet from 7-9pm at most bars. We filled up on that when we didn't want to cook. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | 0 |
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? | I wish I knew about the weekend trips that Arcadia/Accademia Italiana organizes. They had a free weekend trip to Rome and a free day trip to Siena/San Gimignano. Email ahead to get dates and plan out the rest of your schedule early to save on flights to other countries. Traveling within Italy is really easy but you have to plan to do bigger trips. I also did several Florence For Fun, a student travel agency. Another one was Bus2Alps. I had absolutely the most incredible time. I was so glad I picked Florence over Rome. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
