Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life in Italy: Living a New Way Past Review

By (Benedictine College) - abroad from 09/03/2014 to 11/18/2014 with

Benedictine College: Florence - Semester Program in Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that life can be lived in many different ways. There is nothing about my life as an American that I can assume is universal; it is those things that are, rather, Human, that bind us all together. I learned to speak a new language, to look at art in a new way, to let being happy be simple.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While the academically, the program lacked rigor, the overall educational experience was without rival. I can't imagine learning more in any situation than I learned during my time in Florence. It was learning by living; my exposure to new ways of life, language, and art helped me grow so much.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved living in Florence. It is my favorite city ever.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? choose which meals to be okay with spending a lot.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 2 in high school.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Force yourself to do it. It is hard to make yourself speak it when you have the opportunity to speak English. Go out and walk around town. Order food in Italian, ask for directions in Italian, say hello to people (if culturally appropriate!)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Being in Italy.
* What could be improved?
  • Classes being worth the time.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take advantage of every moment.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!