Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Benedictine College Florence Past Review

By (Benedictine College) - abroad from 01/27/2015 to 05/01/2015 with

Benedictine College: Florence - Semester Program in Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about different cultures. I learned how to navigate foreign countries, and how unique and awesome all the different cultures of Europe are.

Review Photos

Benedictine College: Florence - Semester Program in Florence, Italy Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We learned a lot about Italian history, the progression of art, and culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We had a few difficulties with the Villa management, but other than that it went well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Settignano is a beautiful place. It was nice to be outside the city, but also so close.

* 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:

I never felt like I was in danger while I was at the Villa or roaming around Florence. The Milan train station had me scared a few times, but that was about it.

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

I loved my experience, and would do it again.

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? With traveling a lot, probably $100 - $150. Easily could have been less.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Drink before you go to the bars, and go to the local stores like COOP for food.

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? High school spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The feeling of family we had in the villa.
  • Learning about the Italian art and culture.
  • Friendships I made with the other students while abroad.
* What could be improved?
  • The food at the villa.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You can find pretty much anything you need in Italy, don't pack very much.