Past Review
By Tracy T (PSYCHOLOGY., Providence College) for
Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy
Definitely. I became more independent and learned to really live on my own. My eyes have opened up to the world. I want to travel more now - both abroad and in the US. I learned more about myself studying abroad, and learned who I truly am and who I truly want to be, more than I've ever learned in my entire life. I've met people I'll be friends with forever, and have seen places in the world that some people never, ever will. It's an experience in a lifetime that one will never be able to replace and will cherish forever.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Workload was much less. Grading was very subjective. Teaching was good when it was discussions - much more interesting. It was much less structured and based on fewer grades abroad than in the US |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration was very kind and helpful. They helped with places to eat, places to travel and how to get more into the host culture. My expectations were more than met. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Via dei Servi, 19. It was perfect - a 6-man apartment. Came with a much larger living room than expected and adequate kitchen, as well as decent-sized bedrooms. Also had washer. <br /><br /> The housing was perfect. Great location, down the street from the Duomo. Came equipped with all needs in the kitchen, and all furniture, including bed room sheets. It was a 10-15 minute walk to class, which became easy after a couple weeks of getting adjusted. Good location for nightlife - about 10 minutes away from anything. |
| * Food: |
Where to dine - Cat and the Fox. Has well priced food, delicious, and good portions. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everything was memorable, from the trips planned by the program to going out at night with housemates. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city seemed very safe. Should always walk with someone, but never felt like I would be attacked, and never experienced pick-pocketing. |
| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep in mind that texting is very costly, and that you shouldn't use your phone too much. Internet also is costly. |
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Although it is expensive and more of a trouble to travel from here, I wouldn't have wanted to study anywhere else. Spend money - think about costs, but allow yourself to have fun and do whatever you want. It's a once in a lifetime chance, take every advantage of experiencing nightlife, make some mistakes, but be safe. Try to interact with locals. Go to places that not are not filled with all Americans. Live it up. |
