A lot of great food! Past Review

By (Accounting and Related Services., Fairfield University) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 05/12/2012 with

Fairfield University: Florence - Summer in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a once and a lifetime experience. I would extremely regret not going and it is totally worthwhile.

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.

The classes seemed like they would be interesting, but the teaching staff was not that great. I felt like I didn't learn much when I attended class. The classes were fairly easy though, and I ended up doing well for the semester.

* 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:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 100-150 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget your money before you spend it.

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? none
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? Interact with the people of the community.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • City of Florence
* What could be improved?
  • Teaching staff
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Europe is an amazing place, so if you can travel as much as you can!!