Fantastic Fall Semester of Fashion in Florence Past Review
By jennifer g (Fashion Merchandising., Virginia Commonwealth University) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 12/21/2013 with
Global Semesters: Florence - Semester in Florence
I learned how capable I am on my own, how to manage money, and how to be a better communicator. Studying abroad really opens your eyes and teaches you to appreciate what you have back home, but also to appreciate the world and learning.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I recieved hands-on fashion learning. It was much nicer to get to work one on one with Enrica, my fashion teacher, due to the small classes. This was the first time I ever got to really connect with a professor like that. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were great and helpful, I just wish they would have been available on weekends too. Sometimes we really needed them. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My apartment was awful. We had a broken TV, no oven which we were promised, a moldy washing machine, our water brook for a week, and so on. Other students had much nicer places, so on the other hand housing is not bad, just my experience. |
| * Food: |
ITS ITALY!!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved living in Florence, but locals were not always found of American students. |
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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) |
I received $100 a week, but I honestly feel like it didn't get me very far. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Start saving before and do as much home cooking as possible. Try to go get produce every other day in small quantities, fresh produce goes bad much faster!! Spend money on trips and unique gifts, not eating out everyday and partying. |
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? | 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 in italian. |
| 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? | Get a book! I came with nothing. Even iPhone apps help! |
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? | 0 |
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? | How much I should have saved. it is so much easier to travel around Europe once you're already there, but you cannot do that if you are broke! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
