A Semester in Florence Past Review

By (Architectural Engineering Technology, University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/29/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

International Studies Institute / ISI Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Met new friends, gained appreciation for both Italian/European and American cultures, learned history

Review Photos

International Studies Institute / ISI Florence Photo International Studies Institute / ISI Florence Photo International Studies Institute / ISI Florence Photo International Studies Institute / ISI Florence Photo International Studies Institute / ISI Florence Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Usually less than $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook a lot of meals at home

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? 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? Japanese 4
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? Begin with just ordering food, then work way up into small talk

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
  • International Students
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?
  • location
  • friendly staff
* What could be improved?
  • is fine
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The first month is when you should go on a lot of trips

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A 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.