Florence is a truly beautiful place Past Review
By Jason McDonald (University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/08/2020 to 05/05/2020 with
International Studies Institute / ISI Florence
I learned that there is so much to see in the world and the time I had there taught me how to travel and enjoy foreign locations. It will be something I never forget.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
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? |
The living arrangements were excellent and very comfortable. Excellent location as well. |
| * Food: |
The Food available was great across the city, although more locations for discounts were desired. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The ISI team helped students be aware of how to approach the local culture and then the locals were very welcoming. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city was very safe. With common sense and other knowledge provided by the ISI team there was very little danger. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved everything about my time in Italy and all the travelling done. The program was also very helpful with every step from the documentation to just finding ways to travel. |
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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $100-$150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook at home and buy items from local markets which are much cheaper than going out to eat. |
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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Italian 1 |
| 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 to use the language at the local stores and restaurants. The locals find it much more respectful and act much more helpful or friendly. |
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
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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 to pack a little more lightly |
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.' |
