Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Florence: Education and Life Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Providence College) for

Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was very worthwhile. I gained a lot of insight into myself and enjoyed living in a foreign country thoroughly. If I could study abroad again, I would probably choose a different country to learn more about another location, but I definitely want to return to Italy in the future.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was often lengthy, but it was not difficult to complete in the week between classes. The grading system was slightly frustrating at times since there were only a few big grades, but the teachers were willing to work with you so that helped. The main difference between PC classes and FUA classes was the teachers. They were from all around the world instead of just the United States.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was constant access to those who were there to help me and they were extremely friendly and approachable. They planned activities that everyone who attended enjoyed and learned from. My expectations were met.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had to bring nothing and while there was some noise from neighbors, it was not enough to interfere with the experience of being abroad.

* Food:

The Italian food was much the same as American food. There were only a couple things that they did not have, but that is manageable for time abroad.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I attended all the events offered by Fairfield University including a Gelato Crawl, a Treasure Hunt, Exploring the City, 2 Soccer Games, an Opera, and Dinners with other students. All were free and extremely informative as well as being fun.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I knew no one in my program who got sick. There were a few safety concerns throughout the semester and we received emails warning us of any danger if it existed.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out more than once a week. Most everything else you need to buy you need, but shop at markets instead of eating out.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • How everyone was there to help with any questions I might have.
* What could be improved?
  • I think it is good and very well run.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Everyone. Especially those who are hesitant to go abroad. It opens up opportunities within yourself and all around you that you cannot otherwise achieve.