Awesome experience and got to see the world Past Review

By (American/United States Studies/Civilization., Providence College) - abroad from 01/20/2013 to 05/11/2013 with

Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A view of the world. I got to see some of the most beautiful places and got to experience things I never thought I would. I also pushed my limits and faced fears. It was definitely worthwhile and I would do it again. I would go to Florence again, but maybe not through Fairfield.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

The apartment I lived in was not suitable. The heat was insufficient, the apartment was not cleaned prior to our arrival. We only had one working stove burner to cook with. Also, one bathroom for five girls was difficult.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I had a few friends who's apartments got broken into, as well as a member of the staff at the Fairfield Florence Site.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

I think the program should have supplied food or some sort of store that was discounted for students since the stores were expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $500 +

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? I did not complete one.
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? Use it as best as you can and as much as you can to learn the language and interact with the culture.

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 location-I loved Florence
  • The food and local cuisine
  • Culture
* What could be improved?
  • The living conditions should be equaled out
  • Integration into Italian culture could have been better
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew where I wanted to travel to definitely before hand.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.