La Bella Vida Past Review
By A student (Providence College) - abroad from 08/26/2012 to 12/15/2012 with
Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy
I learned so much about myself and how to be self-sufficient. I met the most amazing people and have memories that will last forever. Yes, it was absolutely the best decision I have made during my college career.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very impressed with the living arrangements Fairfield University provided for us. My apartment was in a great location (5 minutes from the Duomo and 10 minutes from Santa Croce). It was surprisingly very spacious, considering there were six girls living in one apartment. They were very clean when we arrived and many necessities such as utensils, were provided. |
| * Food: |
The food in Florence is phenomenal. Although we did not have any sort of meal plan through our program, you cannot really go wrong with the food in this city. From hole in the wall panini shops to more upscale restaurants, the food was excellent. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Because I did an internship while abroad, I was much more integrated into the italian culture than most of my roommates. I made several Italian friends through my work learning experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Like any city, students should keep their guard up and always stay in groups. I never felt unsafe at school, in my apartment, or walking around during the day. |
| 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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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 |
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| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I had never taken Italian language until abroad. |
| 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? | Go to the local markets and order in italian. |
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 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? | An idea of expenses before leaving to Italy. |
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. |
