Trying to live Authentically in Florence Past Review
By A student (Studio Arts, Fairfield University) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 05/12/2012 with
Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy
I think I gained the confidence to know that I can actually live on my own and embrace my opportunity. It was an incredible experience. I am sad not to be in Florence anymore!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
In Florence the classes are fun and thoroughly interesting. The professors are intelligent and very approachable. Most classes take you out into Florence itself to experience subject material first hand. Overall the classes are an enriching experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Joanne Maddux & Amelia Curotto are both awesome! They are so down to earth and easy to talk to if you have any problems. Even if you don't have any problems I would encourage you to get to know them! They are attentive and very professional with all of your needs and questions. I was really impressed with them both. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living in apartments is a great opportunity to meet new friends and get an authentic feel for living like an Italian. My apartment was not the largest or the most stylish out of all of the student apartments I saw, but it was great just the same. Most of the apartments are in residential areas so as you live there you will become friendly with your neighborhood shopkeepers and the usual passerby! One thing to remember is that its Italy and not the US. Living without luxuries like a constantly hot shower or a dryer are things you will have to grow accustomed to. It's not the Dark Ages, it simply is another way of life. Embrace it, live with it, and you will enjoy the benefits even more when you get back home! |
| * Food: |
It's Italy what more can you say?! Grocery stores are accessible and easy to figure out. Be sure to weigh and put a price sticker on veggies and fruits prior to going to the check out. Take advantage of open air markets like San Lorenzo and San Ambrogio. There are restaurants and cafes everywhere! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I can see how it can be easy in Florence only to interact with Americans. It is such a student city with tons of other study abroad programs. My friends and I were fortunate enough to make Italian friends which was an incredible experience. Before you go ask yourself if you simply want to live your regular lifestyle in foreign scenery or if you would like to embrace a new culture. Your answer to that question will determine the kind of cultural experience you will have. Either way is still great it's just up to you! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
You can easily get needed medicine at pharmacies, but practice what you need to say in Italian. Many I went to did not speak English. Also, they have very different hours than the ones we have at home. Use the internet as a resource for pill instructions as well as hours of operations. |
| * Safety: |
Florence is a very safe city. Although I would not recommend walking alone late at night. Also beware of pickpockets in touristy areas. Just be smart as you would in any other city. I never felt unsafe in Florence. |
| 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) |
I definitely spent more money than I expected to. Florence can be an expensive city. If you take art classes be prepared to spend quite a bit on supplies, otherwise books are pretty reasonable. I am an avid shopper and I went out every weekend so I spent a bit of money as you might expect. It could definitely be fairly easy to live in Florence on a tight budget although don't expect to go out to clubs & restaurants a lot and/or travel frequently. |
| * 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? | on average between 100-250 euros per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do food shopping both in the local markets and grocery stores. You will find some produce is cheaper at the markets, while other things are cheaper at the grocery store. |
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 |
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| 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? | Intermediare |
| 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? | Don't be afraid to speak the language. Try in Italian first and then resort to English. The Italians will appreciate your efforts and many times try to help you phrase things. You'll be received better if you try to speak 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? | Relax. Everything is going to be amazing. Truly listen to everyone's advice. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Mafia & Antimafia |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Valentina Dolara |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | By far the best class I have ever taken. Professor Dolara is so well-read and well-spoken. It changes the way you think about societies' interworkings. Not only that, the mafia itself and the antimafia movement is so thoroughly fascinating you will find yourself counting down the days until your next class. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | For some schools it may not count as a History course. If not I would recommend taking it as an elective if you have any interest in the mafia, if you are interested in politics, or simply want an unique experience. |
| Course Name/Rating: |
The Florence Food and Culture Experience |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Silvia Moneti |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This was another great class. Our teacher was an incredible woman who aided us on the ins and outs of Florence. Along with learning about Florentine food which was delicious, encouraging, and fun, we were schooled on how to live like a Florentine, told great restaurants to try, and given the basics of Italian life and lifestyle. I would of had a completely different experience in and out of the classroom if I had not taken this course. It is a must! You don't have to go into it knowing how to cook. The teacher will guide you every step of the way if you have problems. You cook as a class which is fun and a great way to meet people. At the the end of it all you get to eat what you made! There are 2 tests the midterm and final that quiz you on both the culture and cuisine. If you study there is nothing to worry about. |
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