Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Providence College) for

Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was entirely worthwhile. I learned a new language!

Personal Information

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

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My educational experience was not an integral part of my experience in total in Italy, but I wasn't expecting the program to be an overhaul. I was happy with the the work load, which was realitvley light compared to Providence, because it allowed me to fully experience my time in Italy. I could have stayed home if I really wanted to be immersed in my studies, and while I was still attentive to my marks, I was able to get out and really experience Italy.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration did a wonderful job with our Italian orientation, and I was so very pleased to go off the beaten path and experience things that I normally otherwise wouldnt have. However, the absences policy at FUA is much too strict, and there is no room for extenuating circumstances.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family in Florence's city center. <br /><br /> I just had a wonderful time with my family, and although it was conveniently placed, it wouldn't have mattered how far I had to go to class.

* Food:

She was a wonderful cook.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel blessed to have made the friends that I have with some Italian people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt threatened, and everything was well outlined if we were to get sick at any point.

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? LIVE WITH A FAMILY!

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

I was the only student in the program to choose to live with a host family. Although my Italian class was very helpful with tricky grammar, my experience with my host family is what I will cherish most of my time in Italy, and also the source of my significant improvement in proficiency.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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? Make sure you involve yourself, and try as hard as you can to grasp the language. You can drink and party at home, and it will be cheaper.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

History of Christianity
Course Department: Religion
Instructor: Dr. Young
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was well instructed and was also an area that I was comfortable in. Dr. Young provided a challenging atmosphere and was very thorough and clear in his instruction.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Foundation Drawing
Course Department: Arts
Instructor: Ragioneri
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was my most challenging course, as it required extensive attention to assignments and diligence in their completion. I was very impressed with my progression in my drawing abilities, and have to say that this was my most fruitful class.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Physics in Everday Life
Course Department: Science
Instructor: Ted Metcalf
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I do not handle math very well whatsoever, and this class was a nice abstract approach to the rigidity that Physics can sometimes be. It was a nice challenging pace, and I never felt behind or overwhelmed with equations.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Italian
Course Department: Italian
Instructor: Ferrini
Instruction Language: Italian
Comments: Next to art, this was my 2nd most challenging course. Everything was conducted in Italian, and your participation was evaluated on how much English was needed to communicate with classmates and the professor. However, as the semester progressed, I found that I learned the most from Professoressa Ferrini, and that I was very satisfied with my Italian. It was the best Italian language class I have ever taken.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Ethics in a World Context
Course Department: Ethics
Instructor: Traxler
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was my most enjoyable class. It will transfer as my ethics requirement, but I looked forward to Dr. Traxlers class every Wednesday. It was challenging but not too overwhelming, and he made sure that the issues we touched werent too difficult for those who struggle with philosophy.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.