It was an opportunity of a lifetime that I wouldn't take back for the world. Past Review
By Brittany S (Food Marketing, Saint Josephs University) - abroad from 08/28/2012 to 12/15/2012 with
Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy
It was definitely worthwhile. I gained/learned so much about not only different cultures and living on my own but also about myself.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I loved all of my teachers and classes. It was definitely an adjustment from what I am used to here in America when it came to schooling but it didn't take too long to adjust and it was the best experience. I learned so much from my teachers and it was nothing that was too difficult for me to accomplish. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My program was great, really helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It wasn't the BEST apartment ever, but it was definitely great. It was clean, and the view that we had was amazing. |
| * Food: |
The food is to die for. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
A lot of people in Florence spoke english so it was easy to get connected with the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
They explained everything on how to get healthcare help if we needed it, I lucky did not. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe. But, that also came with the fact that I made safe choices. Don't walk alone, or even if you with another person, don't walk with just the two of you if its too late, it's just never a good idea. But, there were plenty of cops and safety guards around and my apartment definitely made me feel safe. |
| 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) |
It's all about the choices you make. But you definitely want to save up a good amount of money because not only are you going to need it but you are going to want it. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $300 or less |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just work your hardest to save up as much as you can. |
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 |
My italian course that I had to take taught me so much that I was very eager and excited to learn about. |
| 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? | Just try your best to use it wherever you can. Even at a pharmacy, it can be useful to communicate with the employees. |
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? | 10+ |
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? | How much money you really do want/need. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
