Channeling My Inner Vasari Past Review
By Rachel S (History, Washington & Jefferson College) for
Florence School of Fine Arts: Florence - Semester, Summer and Short-Term Courses
Absolutely I would do this program again in a second. It was such an amazing experience and I couldn't have designed a better program. Italy is like a second home to me and I feel more aware of Italy's impact on the world now as a result. I also now feel more inspired to be creative in my studies and in life. It was the perfect and necessary addition to my liberal arts education.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My overall experience was nothing but positive. I am not an art student, but I felt at home in the studio. Everyone was encouraging and helpful in letting me express my creativity. I feel confident in my abilities in the studio now, which is something I knew nothing about prior to my experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I knew help was available when I needed it but I was still able to maintain my freedoms as a student. I was treated like an adult but able to get assistance when needed, especially with the language barrier. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My apartment was amazing and I felt like I was truly living in Italy and not just a student studying abroad. My apartment was furnished and ready the day I moved in. The location was perfect walking distance from my school and major parts of the city without being caught in the middle of everything. |
| * Food: |
It's Italy, what else can you expect? It's all amazing and cheap. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had 2 great field trips with my art history class to the Biennale in Venice and to Pisa. My class also went to many museums and churches in Florence which was perfect. I also got to help with an art exhibition in the school for Vasari's 500th Birthday. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I feel safer in Florence in the middle of the night than I do in the middle of the day in an American city. Early on in the trip I did fall and injure my knee, but I was easily able to get the help and medicine I needed to recover. |
| 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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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