The most interesting and growth developing experience in my college career. Past Review
By Eric S (Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations., Fairfield University) - abroad from 01/21/2013 to 05/11/2013 with
Fairfield University: Florence - Early Renaissance Art in Italy, January Session
I gained the knowledge that I can adapt very well to experiences completely foreign to me. It was absolutely worthwhile because I chose to immerse myself and not hold back.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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 |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was not equal across the board. I got a much better apartment than others and one apartment was beyond the requirements and they got very lucky to attain it. |
| * Food: |
Who is not going to put 5 stars? |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
More Italian interaction would have been better. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
Alcohol takes a lot of money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 250 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not worry about eating out too much. It is what you came there to do. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Hardly at all, but I tried my best to use it. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate II |
| 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? | Talk to everyone. Do not be afraid. They are generally happy to even hear you try their language. |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew to bring the comforts of home with me in the beginning because shipping anything abroad is costly and difficult. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
