Past Review
By Amanda W (EDUCATION., Providence College) for
Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy
Studying abroad was one of the most incredible experiences in my life so far. I was able to live independently and adapt to a completely different culture than that of America. I believe that I became a stronger person and now have a better ability to focus on the bigger picture in life and not dwell on the small annoyances and difficulties. I was able to see a completely different culture work and succeed in a peaceful more relaxed way and it showed me how to really enjoy life with out the rush and business of America. I had the time of my life and will never forget the amazing experience.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Florence University of the Arts |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
While studying abroad it was evident that the teachers were very aware of creating an enviornment that was very relaxed and enjoybale. They understood that we were not only there for the academics but to travel, live on our own and learn about a completely different culture and ourselves. I really enjoyed the classes becuase the professors and classes were not all about getting good numberor letter grades but more how to learn about yourself and succeed independently. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
administration was very supportive and always able to help with getting things done and were very accessible |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Borgo Allegri 64. This street was great! Very close to school and central in the city so that it was very easy to get around everywhere. Neighbors and landlord were very friendly and the apartment was very nice clean and modern. <br /><br /> |
| * Food: |
Would have been nice to have some sort of a meal plan included |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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? | Try to cook meals in the apartment as much as you can, that will limit spending. Take advantage of all the program meals and get togethers. Plan travel as early as possilbe, flights will get very expensive the longer you wait. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I found it very difficult to learn the language becuase the Italian course was geared solely on the grammer of the language which is very hard to learn and grasp in a matter of 4 months. When out on my own and trying to speak the language I would also find Italians speaking back to me in English. |
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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