Study Architecture in Florence: Great Experience Past Review

By (Architecture, Roger Williams University) for

International Studies Institute / ISI Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am definitely more aware of global events and how they relate and impact the United States.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although advertised to us as being easier than our home program, this program was not. However, it was no more difficult also.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The host program offered a lot of services while in Italy. They were friendly and very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Bought my own food. Very expensive, but still cheaper than eating out. For aperitivo, definitely go to Moyo (Next to Santa Croce) Best for the price. For gelato, try Grom and Santa Trinita.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not get out as much as I would have liked to due to school work loads, etc. Field trips arranged by the program were a definite must.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Emergency services in Italy are free with the health insurance that the program requires. They are VERY good. My roommate had an emergency appendectimy, but her surgery was perfect and she had some of the best care. No vaccines were specifically required.

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)

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Set up a list of were you want to go before you get there. Try to arrange the trips early. That's the best way to get to go where you want to. Go out with friends.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Architectural Studio: Urban

Course Department: ARCH 416
Instructor: Carlo Achille
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The field trips for this course were by far the best. Course load was more than expected, but still fair. Unfortunately the timing often conflicts with other courses.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Elementary Italian 1

Course Department: Ital 101
Instructor: Elena Bandinelli
Instruction Language: English/Italian
Comments: Started my core concentration in Italian because of this course. Loved it
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Architecture in Context

Course Department: ARCH 477
Instructor: Franco Pisani
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very good course.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

History of Italian Design

Course Department: ARCH 530
Instructor: Franco Pisani
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was a fantastic course. Covered a wide range of Italian design products and the history and rational behind each one.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues as known thus far