Florence: La Dolce Vita! Past Review
By Caitlin S (Business, Elizabethtown College) for
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Florence - Semester in Florence
My study abroad experience was worthwhile! I actually am planning on studying abroad again next spring semester with same program!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The classes were fairly easy compared to my home college. Italian culture in general gets things done at much slower pace than the United States. Therefore, ability to get things done or lack of supplies most of time was not the FUA's fault it was just that the culture does everything on their own time... |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment was very small 3 students slept in a small bedroom. My most concern was the bathroom. I understand that the plumbing is much different in Italy than America but the water in our shower never drained. When we first entered the apartment there was mold in the shower and after the draining issues it became worse. We tried to remove the mold but it did not come off we needed a stronger cleaner. We mentioned it to the housing coordinator but it was toward the end of our stay and nothing ever happened. |
| * Food: |
FUA has a wonderful dining offered called GANZO. Most students get meal vouchers if a student receives them defiantly try to use them all it will help with their budget. Also, try buying food at the San Lorenzo Market prices are much cheaper and food is much fresher! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved my time in Florence! I took advantage of the easy access transportation buy using trains and buses to travel to different parts of Italy. As for the Educational Field Trips that were included in CIS package, I wish that a trip to Rome was included. During my stay in Florence I didn't have the opportunity to visit Rome and I was nervous to go on my own because I wasn't sure if I would get to see everything in the city. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
As for safety I never felt threatened in Florence. I do have some friends that encountered some safety issues such as being mugged and chased. Overall all of the situations that my friends encountered could have been avoided. They were intoxicated and walking home alone. I strongly advise to never do this whether you are a girl or a boy. You are asking for something to happen to you when you put yourself in this situation at 3:00 am. |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke English but I made some Italian friends where I spoke very basic Italian. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are studying in Europe take advantage of the easy transportation but don't forget about your host country. Many people I know traveled to a different country almost every weekend and never really seen the country they were living in! Also, alcohol is a wonderful social lubricant but many students abuse alcohol to the point were they put themselves in harmful situations. I understand that most students just turned 21 or are about to soon but drink responsibly. Honestly, unless you are with all Americans you stand out in public when you are drunk and can't control yourself. Most locals will pick up on this behavior and make comments; drinking excessively is look down upon! |
