Studying in Firenze, Italia changed my life forever. Past Review
By Clayton C (Biology, Marshall University) for
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Florence - Summer in Florence
It was the best experience of my life. I can put into words the feeling you get waking up every morning knowing you are living in Tuscany. The people within the program made this experience great. We all felt as if we had been friends forever because we werer very close. I came away with a better understanding of many different cultures and how they view us as Americans.
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. |
The grading system was the exact same as I have here at Marshall. The profesors went out of there way to ensure we enjoyed our experience abroad and did well in classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was accessibile 24/7. They were always offering help for anything. They helped our with everything from trip planning to studying arrangments. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing arrangements were amazing. My roommates were great and our apartment was located in the center of Florence and next to the University. Everything was provided for by the school expect for food. |
| * Food: |
I did not have one bad meal experience while studying in Italia. I never went to tourist restaurants in the main square. I always asked the administration or went off the main path to find a place to eat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The field trip that stands out the most is traveling to Morocco. Two of my roommates and I decided to go to Africa and we were completely culture shocked as soon as we got off the airplane. It was amazing to see poverty and destruction with your own eyes instead of seeing it on CNN. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never had one bad experience while in Florence. I never felt I was in a bad situation. I felt safe at all times in Florence. |
| 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
| 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?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would recommend all students study abroad because it will be the best experience of your life. I have no regrets from my experience. I would advise students make an attempt to fit in and become a part of the culture instead of standing out as an American. The Italians very the friendliest people as long as you made an attempt to dress accordingly and spoke a little Italian. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
History and Culture of Food |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Peter Fischer |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This course was amazing. We learned about the history and influence of Italian food. We took field trips to vineyards for wine tastings. We also went to a few gelato stands and chocolate manufacturers for tastings. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | This course counted for a multicultural credit and international credit. |
