Best experience of my life that exceeded my expectations and miss everyday. Past Review

By (Food marketing, Saint Josephs University) - abroad from 08/26/2013 to 12/14/2013 with

Fairfield University: Florence - Early Renaissance Art in Italy, January Session

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There is more to life than what we know. Life goes on outside of the USA and it is beautiful. Every country has something unique to offer from their own countries. You can learn so much from other people.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Erin Heffernan is phenomenal and I miss her everyday.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartment was helpful is getting. Accustomed to Italian lifestyle, enjoyed living close to several piazzas. However it was very rundown and we encountered many issues throughout our four months.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was easy to indulge in the culture through food and touring and even walking around in the markets.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

As safe as you are smart depending on the individual. I did my encounter nay problems but some dumb drunk kids did.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring snacks in trips but overall yolo

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Beginner
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? Take a prep course or get a book

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Friends
  • Food
  • Class schedule
* What could be improved?
  • House improvements
  • More Italian involvement with locals
  • List of things that are "must do"
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing it was all wonderful and fun to experience on my own.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A 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.