Genuine Italian Experience Past Review
By A student (Hospitality Management, University of Mississippi) - abroad from 05/25/2015 to 08/01/2015 with
Global Experiences: Internships in Florence, Italy
My experience abroad was an incredible opportunity. Interning abroad was a little intimidating since I had never had an internship before, nor had I ever studied Italian. However, being completely immersed into the culture, I was able to learn quickly and make local friends who gave me a local experience that I will never forget. I was able to learn more than just the restaurant business, but also more about the Italian culture and language by making great friends and experiencing what life is really like in Florence, Italy.
Review Photos
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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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? |
There was a meningitis incident with a local who was around students often; however, we were informed quickly and the administrators reacted calmly but efficiently. They let all of us know right away and we went to the office to take preventative pills. |
| * Safety: |
Florence, Italy was extremely safe, but just like every other city, you have to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense. |
| 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
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I was told but did not quite accept that fact that the internship would be a lot of work. My other abroad experiences have been more relaxed since I was simply studying; however, I wish I would have known how tiring the internships would be even though they were enjoyable. It was a nice wake-up call to the real world though. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
