Florence; The Most Incredible Semester of My Life! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My workload while abroad was not as strenuous as my workload at Providence. However, I did have more work then I was expecting. Many people told me that they did not do any work while abroad and that was just untrue. The grading system is the same as at Providence, but we just have less exams and less papers. We have to make sure we do well on these exams and papers because there are less. The teaching methods were pretty much the same as at home. They were all lecture based. I had some trouble understanding my professors, but not to the extent were it affected my learning experience. I was not expecting such a strict attendance policy, but I eventually became used to the idea. It was a little frustrating though. I did not like the make-up policy however. I don't think it is fair to have students make-up class when the professor is absent, especially on a Friday when we don't have class and have plans to travel. That is my on major disappointment with the program.

On-site administration of your program

I thought Fairfield University has a wonderful study abroad program. The program directors are very accessible and timely in their responses to their questions. I really liked how they had a student coordinator, Amelia. She was great. She had studied abroad in Florence, so she knew the city well and could really help us get around and find the places we needed. She also had only graduated a year ago, so we could relate to her easily and she understood what we were experiencing. The program also had a lot of activities happening throughout the semester which were great. They helped me to know my fellow students and helped me to get involved in the culture of Florence. The only weakness I could think of is that the orientation process was a little overwhelming. I know I was so tired once I got there and was overwhelmed with everything I had to do. I just wanted to sleep and my room wasn't ready. So maybe they could find a way to organize the rooms based on arrival. I know I had to wait almost three hours for my room to be ready and that was the last thing I wanted to be doing. Other then that the program was great!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location of my apartment was great! We were very close to all my academic buildings and we were right in the center of Florence. We could walk to everything from my apartment. My apartment itself is cute, but small. For six girls it is a little tight and the fact that we don't really have a common room doesn't help matters. It is hard for everyone to have their own space or to spread out. Also a lot of the appliances in my apartment didn't work that well, but we managed around them. It is a very cute apartment, but maybe not for six girls.

Food was AMAZING! I am never going to be able to eat Italian food at home.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Overall the trips planned by Fairfield were great! They were very diverse and really helped you to interact and become a part of Florence's culture. I especially loved the trip to Perugia, Assisi, Sienna, and San Gimignano. It was great to go into the countryside of Italy and really just have a relaxing weekend. The places were beautiful and had a lot to offer.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt very safe in Florence. I felt safer here then I do at Providence College sometimes. One obviously has to be careful and be smart while going out, but I never felt truly scared or unsafe while in Florence. I advise every girl to buy an over the shoulder bag that zippers and to wear that bag so you can see it at all times. I had a friend whose wallet was stolen our first week here, but her bag was behind her and it didn't zipper. As long as you are careful nothing will happen to you. I did not have any health issues, so I cannot comment on the health care system.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

My program encouraged and desired that everyone take an Italian language class. I was in an intermediate level class and it definitely improved my grammar skills. However, I did not use my Italian as much as I expected or I had hoped. Many people in Florence speak English and once you make a mistake with your Italian they immediately switch to speaking with you in English. It was a little frustrating and I wish I did a better job of keeping/forcing the conversation to remain in Italian.

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Orientation Trips and Monthly Activities
• Accessability and Helpfulness of the Coordinators

• The Initial Orientation Program