Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

FLORENCE IS THE BEST CITY IN THE WORLD!!!!!! Studying there was a dream! Past Review

By (Applied Economics., Providence College) - abroad from 01/21/2013 to 05/10/2013 with

Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Too many lessons to count, but mainly nothing ever goes according to plan, so learn to let go and roll with the punches!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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?

* 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 thought the cit it's self was extremely safe, I just had my apartment building (near the Duomo) broken into several times which was scary.

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)

But thankfully my parents really helped out! ANd most of my expenses were do to traveling/

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Dont let money hold you back from any experience! Be wise with your money but also understand that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you should seize every opportunity! Take loans from your parents and/or family. And budget your money - save money for trips rather than getting gelato every day.

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? Beginner
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? Spanish 4
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Trips
  • Friends
  • Courses
* What could be improved?
  • Apartments
  • Meal Plan
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light!!! but a variety of different weather clothing bc its constantly changing.

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 Urbanite
A 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.