One in a lifetime Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Fairfield University) - abroad from 01/22/2012 to 05/12/2012 with

Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the differences between America and Italy- differences that make me appreciate where I live a lot. I gained somewhat of a new outlook on life as well as learned more about Italian culture than I ever thought I could.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? anywhere from 200 to 500 (depending on traveling)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? budget your money before you leave

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian literature (in Italian)
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? using it in restaurants and not just falling back to english right away

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
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the new experiences it gave me
  • no classes on friday allowed for outside travel
  • helpful Fairfield program administrators
* What could be improved?
  • orientation
  • housing
  • more integration with Italians
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? you will go through money faster than you think, be open minded, try forming relationships with Italians right away