Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (Accounting, Providence College) for

Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I learned so much about Italian culture, as well as about myself.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Florence University of the Arts
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt that my Italian language course was of a higher level than at my home university (because of the Professor as well as the curriculum taught). I learned the most from hands on experiences than from lecture time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was usually available, but sometimes were slow to respond to questions or needs.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

wonderful! i loved the apartments and there was plenty of room. I loved all the students that I lived with and we all got a long really well. My only complaint is that when things were broken, it seemed to take a long time to get it fixed..but that is just the Italian way I guess! <br /><br /> We were right next to the Duomo. Although loud at times, it was totally worth it. Loved our apartment and loved all the people that I lived with.

* Food:

We cooked a lot and had readily available utensils and kitchen ware. When we did eat out, it was always really good and we seemed too find some affordable places.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

loved all the students in the program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt pretty safe in Florence. As long as students stick together while they are walking the streets, everything was fine. Most of the crime that I had heard about was petty theft. Nobody that I knew had ever gotten assaulted during our stay.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to take large quantities of cash from the ATM to avoid racking up a lot of withdrawl fees. Eat at home 4-5 days out of the week instead of going out all the time. Always ask for student discounts, especially at book stores. Try to avoid shopping in touristy areas, as prices are always higher there. Plan meals with roommates and split the costs. Share internet if possible. Be prepared for lab fees. Share everything!!!

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

I definitely improved a lot than before this program. The Italian language courses are awesome! The only drawback was that many Florentines speak good English and will not hesitate to use it if they know you are American. Speaking Italian in Florence wasn't a necessary thing, but many Italians appreciate the effort. I wish that I had lived with a host family so that I could have picked up more of the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Try new things, get involved, learn the language and emerse yourself as much as possible. And remember...il dolce far niente!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Italian I
Course Department:
Instructor: Simonetta
Instruction Language: Italian
Comments: This course was challenging but I never felt like I was completely lost. The majority of class time was spent in group discussion. The entire course was taught in Italian and we had short assignments every night which included reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar exercises. We also were required to write short essays in Italian. I learned more Italian from this Professor than I have at home.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Religion & Women
Course Department:
Instructor: Martina Ghiandelli
Instruction Language: English
Comments: We took a lot of field trips in this class. The places we went to included: Jewish Synagogue in Florence, Florence walking tour (churches...) and Rome. We also had the opportunity to speak with elderly Italian woman about the changes that have occurred with women in Italian society. We focused mostly on the role that women have played in Judaism, Christianity and Islam by looking at both historical and modern day events as well as scripture. The professor knew a lot about Florence, Rome and women in italian society.
Credit Transfer Issues: Yes. I was initially told that this course would count as a theology credit, only to be told later that it didn't. I suggest that students double check all their courses with the Department Chairs before they sign up for them. I would also suggest that the study abroad apartment coordinate better with the department chairs about this issue....
Course Name/Rating:

Ethic in a World Context
Course Department:
Instructor: Martin Traxler
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Mostly lectures and class discussion on ethical issues around the world and various philosophies (both modern & historical). Professor challenged us with tests and research papers, but he was a little boring sometimes.
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

Foundations of Painting
Course Department:
Instructor: Antonella Mercati
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Professor taught students who didn't have a clue about painting how to paint. I was amazed at how I improved over the course of the semester. She graded us on effort, participation, quality of paintings, and level of improvement. We learned to paint still life objects and landscapes. We also had the opportunity to paint in the style of any painter we chose. This was surprisingly a difficult course (a lot of time and effort!) but I am glad that I took it.
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

Food, Culture & Society
Course Department:
Instructor: Cecilia
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Learned the history of food in Italy within the context of the various regions. Most of the class time was spent cooking. Assessed by written tests and practicals. Also did two gastronomical walking tours.
Credit Transfer Issues: doesn't transfer as credit, but I was okay with that. I would recommend taking a cooking course to any students who have room in their schedule, seeing as cuisine is an essential part of Italian daily life.