The Most Amazing Experience of My Life! Past Review

By A Student (Muhlenberg College) - 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?

It was extremely worthwhile. It makes me wonder why every student offered the chance does not decide to study abroad. In Florence, but really anywhere you choose to study abroad you gain a whole new perspective and appreciation of where you come from. You live in another culture and experience new things every day. You are pushed and challenged and you learn so much about yourself. I was able to grow in so many ways and learn how I handle different situations, and really surprised myself. You are also kind of forced to become close to the people that you meet pretty quickly, and I made such great friends that I know I will stay friends with and otherwise would have never met. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world, in fact, I'd probably be willing to give almost anything to have it back!

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.	The whole experience of abroad was extremely educational and enlightening, but the classes themselves I would probably rate as average.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	They were helpful and always able to reach if I needed anything. I felt very comfortable and they did a great job of providing us with opportunities to interact with the culture and information about the city and studying abroad.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I loved my apartment and my friends' apartments, they were all so cute! Mine was a good size for 4 of us, but we didn't have much common space which would have been nice. The only other complaint I would have is that our internet situation had many problems and was not really prioritized on getting fixed, and a couple times workers showed up unannounced in early hours to start fixing things while we were trying to sleep. Other than that I loved my apartment!
* Food:	Food in Italy and Florence is amazing!!! I don't know who could have any complaints. We were spoiled and I miss it!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I tried to integrate myself but Florence is a very popular choice for study abroad, so there are so many American students. Most of my friends were other Americans. As far as having a home there, I felt very connected and like I had a place.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I thankfully did not have any need for health care, however two of my roommates went to the doctor provided by the insurance with our program and were pleased.
* Safety:	Fortunately I did not have any problems with safety, but it's a city so you just have to be smart about it. I usually just remained in a big group with my friends You hear sirens relatively often and I did witness one fight between Italians outside my window. I also heard stories from other students, but things only happen if you let them, ie don't walk alone at night. And always be aware of your belongings, pick-pocketing is a big thing. If you are smart about it and relatively cautious there really wasn't any concern. I always felt safe.
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)	I definitely spent a lot of money while in Florence, but I went into it expecting to do so. It is possible to save by cooking for yourself and going to the grocery store and such, but I also chose to eat out relatively often and travel a lot. Let's just say it is hard to not spend money when there are so many great things to do, see and eat in Florence.
* 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?	probably like $80/week not including travel
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	I would just say to plan ahead and know what your goal is. Save eating out for once a week, and limit yourself for spending on souvenirs and travel. Research and book travel with low-fare websites like ryanair or easyjet.

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	Even in the beginner class we were encouraged to constantly try to speak in Italian, and it proved very helpful. It is however possible to not use the language as much because in Florence almost every knows/speaks English, especially to American students and tourists.
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	Intermediate
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?	Practice among your roommates and when you go out to eat. Especially in the beginning because it will help you get in the habit. Most Italians in Florence are very friendly and happy to help you, especially when they see you trying to speak their language.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	apartments right in the city center trips, dinners, and activities provided and organized for students opportunity to meet so many other students
* What could be improved?	loved orientation but at the end I wish they didn't kick us out of the apartments one day after finals, it would have been nice to have a couple days to end the experience in Florence
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I guess just to savor every moment. You don't realize how amazing it is or how fast it will go by. Live in the moment and take advantage of every opportunity you're given because it is truly a once in a lifetime experience

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Florence Food and Culture Experience
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:	LOVED THIS CLASS! My professor was so knowledgeable and so sweet, always there to help us and make the class fun. She took us on a field trip tour of the city and all the best markets and restaurants, and we cooked so many dishes. We always worked together as a class and we got to try so many Italian foods. I learned a lot and will be continuing to apply what I've learned and cook now!
Credit Transfer Issues: