A Semester in Italy: The Cultural Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The overall structure for my classes in Italy catered very well to my life of traveling, during the 4 months I was there. There was less homework than classes back home, though tests were still comprehensive. This simply gave me flexibility in completing work I felt was sufficient to prepare me for tests. Additionally, it was interesting have some European instructors who organized class a little differently, e.g., less tests and homework and a greater emphasis on self-directed learning.

On-site administration of your program

The administration provided sufficient information about the dynamics of living in Florence, and Italy in general. The program was small enough to where the administration was easily accessible and personable to everyone.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My pensione was in downtown Florence, just a few minutes from the Duomo and the San Lorenzo Market, and within 10 to 20 minutes of just about everything else of note. It was about a 10 minute walk from from my school as well. The pensione provided everyone with a towel, sheets, and dishes whenever needed. Our host family treated us as if we were their own kin and helped us greatly with living in their country.

I was blessed with home-cooked Italian food every day during the week, which exceeded my expectations. The food was always spectacular, and I always had enough to fill me up. Another incredibly hospitable thing that our host mom did was to accommodate the allergies of a couple students in our pensione, offering them other food options on days where there was something in the main course they could not eat. They couldn't have made it easier for us.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program organized a number of memorable trips which allowed the students to interact with one another and meet new people quite easily. The group dinners where especially fun for socializing and experiencing fine dining in a different country. The staff also organized tours on some of the trips with visits to unbelievable museums, some of which I never would have heard of otherwise, e.g. the Borghese Museum in Rome. I especially appreciated the accessibility of Renaissance art and culture that the school provided information for, seeing as Florence (and Italy altogether) played one of the largest roles in the Renaissance.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

An on-staff doctor was available everyday at the school during certain hours, though I was never in need. The city itself was fairly safe, though I was always more comfortable when in groups. The biggest thing to be aware of is pickpockets, so you need to use some sort of pouch to conceal money and important documents, rather than a wallet in the back pocket. and ladies, don't leave your purses under a chair where someone could snatch them!

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Since everyone in my program spoke English, it took some initiative to find ways to practice and strengthen my Italian. My program offered an opportunity to meet weekly with an Italian family for dinner. I would spend a few hours every week helping the kids with English homework, conversing in both Italian and English with the family, and we would educate each other on our respective cultures. Also, I was able to interact in stores, restaurants and museums to further develop my Italian.

Select all that apply

• Hotel
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Americans