An Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Architecture., Marywood University) - abroad from 08/27/2015 to 12/13/2015 with

International Studies Institute / ISI Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how how to live everyday life in a foreign country. I learned how to travel on my own and manage my own expenses. I am definitely more experienced and independent now as a result of my semester in Florence.

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.

This semester was perfectly suited for students looking for the best study abroad experience. The classes were just enough to help us learn a lot, but also allowed us to have our on free time to travel and explore on our own.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration went above and beyond. The people working at the school didn't just do what they had to do to keep the school running. They went out of their way to make sure that all of their students had the best possible time while there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment I was placed in was extremely nice. It wasn't too big or too small and was in a great location, near the center of the city.

* Food:

The food in Italy was amazing. Any street you were on you could find pizza, pasta, gelato, or sandwiches. Certain places had good food for a cheap price.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you don't speak any Italian, it is still easy to live in Florence. Most shops have people that speak English.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't need any vaccines for this program, but because of health reasons, I needed to be in the hospital once a month. The school and hospital worked it out to allow me to get the treatment I needed, and they were both extremely attentive to any health needs I had.

* Safety:

As long as you were smart about safety, Florence wasn't a dangerous city. The best advice I have is to be careful about pickpockets, especially if you are walking home from bars or clubs. Don't carry excessive amounts of money around with you, and be careful watching your phone.

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)

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? 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?

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

* 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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the administration is extremely helpful
  • the classes are fun and exciting
  • the apartments are nice
* What could be improved?
  • more activities during the middle of the semster
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how to cook more before I left. Food in Italy could be expensive and cooking saved a lot of money.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.