A dream that proved better than I imagined and yet so real. Past Review

By Devin T (Art History, Criticism and Conservation., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/08/2013 to 07/20/2013 with

Arcadia: Florence - Italian Language and Culture in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I grew in so much confidence in Italian and in my Art History knowledge and passion. My professors were so affirming and my friends were so encouraging. I also have decided that living in another country is in my possibility and that I would actually enjoy it maybe more than living in America.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I found the Academic rigor to be a perfect balance for a summer abroad. My classes were very challenging but I never felt overwhelmed by the work that was asked of me. I was still able to learn from the experience of living in Italy while staying on top of my studies. My studies were challenging still and I've already found so much value from my classes.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	They were very personable and very available.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I was very pleased with my apartment and my roommate assignment.
* Food:	Italian food is the best.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	My program really equipped us at the beginning to engage in the culture and then let us decide how we wished to engage after the first weekend. I love Italian culture.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I had no issues but they made it very clear what I would need to do if I had any issues.
* Safety:	Any city in Europe after 11 isn't safe on your own but my roommates and I were very cautious when we went out. I could very well have put myself in dangerous situations but I never did.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

Finances

* 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)	Italy is expensive.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Each week I spent about $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Learn how to cook the local food if you can! Eating in is less expensive and I was able to save so I could have more fun other nights.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language	For other students who were not taking an Italian course, they were barely encouraged at all.
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	Three years of Italian
How many hours per day did you use the language?	10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Youtube is helpful if you have no experience.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans International Students
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?	The access to museums The professors The encouragement to travel
* What could be improved?	More options for free time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Pack tennis shoes!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Life and Works of Michelangelo
Course Department:	Art History
Instructor:	Simonete
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	We had lectures most days in museums and I was able to see amazing art history in this class. We were given a lot of room to ask questions as well as give presentations. I participated much more in this small, traveling, hands-on class than I would have in a lecture class. I was assessed with a 15 minute presentation, a one page paper, a five page paper, and a two minute presentation.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Intensive Italian
Course Department:	Italian
Instructor:	Monica Parigi
Instruction Language:	Italian
Comments:	This was the most challenging Italian class but I have never seen so much improvement in myself. Because the class was so small, I had to participate the entire class time, which was three hours four times a week. At my home institution, many times I don't even participate if I can help it. Monica, my professor, really helped me get over some of my confidence issues and to practice fluent Italian that I was already equipped with through studying the language at home. I had to have conversations in class daily, as well as with strangers when we went on field trips. Every day we went through worksheets to practice vocabulary and grammar. We had to write papers in Italian over sites we visited in the city and people we interviewed. We also had two exams.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I was the only person to sign up for Intensive Italian and so Monica joined me in with the Advanced Italian class. I hope this does not jeopardize my credit transfer for Italian Composition and Conversation 2. Even though we were being taught grammar and vocabulary I already knew, my class time was very valuable because we practiced these lessons through conversation.