Florence Spring '11 Past Review
By Taylor R (PSYCHOLOGY., Providence College) for
Fairfield University: Florence - Semester or Year in Italy
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. It has been my favorite semester of college. It has definitely led me to consider moving abroad after college. I loved Europe and got to see so many beautiful places and meet great people. I would love to be able to do it again.
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 |
I thought the host country administration did a great job. They were extremely helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I did the majority of my cooking in my apartment because food was expensive, but when I did eat out it was always delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would recommend budgeting your money as soon as you get there. The exchange rate killed me, but I didn't notice how fast I was blowing through my money. Also, I would tell future students to beware of debit card/ credit card charges, especially on ATMS. |
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Florence is an amazing city. I wouldn't recommend the Fairfield program to anyone who truly wants to be immersed in the Italian culture. It is easy to get by speaking English and spending most of your time with Americans. If that is what you're looking for, then Fairfield works. The program is 70% girls and a large majority if Providence, BC, Fairfield, and Syracuse. I loved my time in Florence and highly recommend it. It's a small city that has so much to do and is absolutely gorgeous. |
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