incredible Past Review

By (Design, Fairfield University) - abroad from 08/27/2012 to 12/15/2012 with

Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about other cultures (and the differences between American cultures), the importance of diversity, and how to push myself out of my comfort zone. However most, if not all, of my learning and experiences came from experiences I brought upon myself independently outside of the program and outside of school.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

did not run into any health issues

* Safety:

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)

conversion rates, and travel were very expensive! especially since i didn't have a job providing any income!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-200

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? n/a
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? make friends with italians, use it as much as you can, start trying really hard from the very beginning and don't give up on it

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the apartment
  • the free trips
* What could be improved?
  • diversity
  • the art program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I'm glad I went in without knowing anything