Past Review

By Maura H (Journalism., University of Georgia) for

CET Florence

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

It was extremely worthwhile. I gained a better understanding of cultures other than my own, more knowledge than I ever have in a traditional classroom, and formed new friendships with individuals I may not have ever encountered.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	University of Florence
The term and year this program took place:	Summer 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	This program was extremely organized and worth every penny! It provided a challenging yet beneficial study abroad experience with its great academics and instructors. The courses were intensive but all of the material was extremely interesting and taught both in and outside of the classroom setting.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The program was extremely organized, safety was never an issue, and the staff was always helpful and responsive to the students.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	It was so much fun to live in an apartment, especially since it was not right in the middle of the city but very close walking-distance. Our Italian roommate also made for an interesting dynamic.
* Food:	Always delicious!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Florence is an amazing place, as was Sicily and all of the other places we visited. There is so much culture and energy going on at all times.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I always felt completely prepared, informed, and safe in my surroundings.
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)

Language

Language acquisition improvement?	Being in the country, and surrounded by those speaking the language really forces you to apply what you learn in the classroom in every-day life.

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I would highly suggest this program because it has so much to offer and is truly a cultural immersion program in which you will not feel as though you are a tourist throughout your entire stay. You will come to understand the language, social workings, and appreciate all that Florence & Italy has to offer. This program is tailored towards students who are looking to have a unique study abroad experience and who are dedicated to academic exploration as well as receptive to new ideas and cultures.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Italian Cultural History
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Challenging but extremely eye-opening and in-depth.
Credit Transfer Issues:	It counted as a general elective (Anthropology).

Course Name/Rating:	Renaissance Art & Architecture
Course Department:
Instructor:	Peter Porcal
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was my favorite course, by far! We were able to see all of the works that we were studying in the course first-hand. Having Peter as an instructor is such a unique and amazing opportunity.
Credit Transfer Issues:	It counted as a general elective (Art History).

Course Name/Rating:	Italian Lanuage (Beginners)
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Italian/English
Comments:	I learned a great deal in such a short period of time! The instructor was very patient and helpful.
Credit Transfer Issues:	It counted as a general elective (2 hours).