Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Foreigners in Florence: Attempted Immersion Failure but Rewarding Experience Past Review

By (Undeclared, Middlebury College) for

ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I gained immeasurable insights about comparative culture, language, and my own skills.

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.

The classes were lovely, but some of my fellow students did no work. Half of the students in my classes failed out of sheer laziness and indifference, and the other half thrived. Finding time to relate to professors outside of class made the experience more meaningful for me and my flatmates. The teaching methods for the language classes are good in theory -- forced immersion and absolutely no English in the classroom -- but in practice was not really followed. The art classes really provided ample opportunity for studio time -- both in class and outside of it. The humanities were strong, with small classes, and good discussions.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They kept us connected to the other program participants through events and trips, ensuring the general satisfaction of everyone. They provided us with extensive information of Florence, ranging from transportation to cuisine and medical to cultural sites.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Ganzo is a student run restaurant that is amazing. There was no school site for food. We cooked in the flat or ate out.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

With our program, we traveled to Cinque Terre, Rome, Siena, San Gimaniano, and Pisa. Through Florence-based, foreign student friendly trip advisors, we went to the Amalfi Coast (Sorrento, Capri, Positano). The Christmas markets in Florence are beautiful and we were able to set up a booth through our program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Florence is extremely safe, and because of the universal Italian healthcare, ambulances and emergency room visits were free of charge. If you are a naturally clumsy person, the historic and beautiful cobblestone streets are hazardous.

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

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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 did you like most about the program?
  • Professors
  • Ganzo
  • Class times
* What could be improved?
  • Integration with Italian students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Great for gap year/semester students looking for a good taste of academic work with time to explore Italy and Europe, good for first-time-abroad students.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Foundation Drawing
Course Department: Florence University of the Arts, FA PD FD 120
Instructor: Antonella Mercati
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Well taught, hands on course. The only drawback is the long hours of course time (5 hours).
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Italian Language Beginning
Course Department: Squola Language School, IS IT IB 101
Instructor: Francesco Felipi
Instruction Language: Italian
Comments: Amazing professor, accomplished linguist, but lack of participation from the class.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Human Rights and International Criminal Justice
Course Department: Florence University of the Arts, LA CR HR 280
Instructor: Valentina Dolara
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Favorite class of the semester taught by my most engaging professor. Professor Dolara was universally loved and admired for her endless knowledge and kindness. I recommend this class most heartily to anyone who is interested in Human Rights.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Art History
Course Department: Florence University of the Arts, LA AH AH 210
Instructor: Dr. Caterina Romei
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Engaging and amazingly qualified professor, leaning about the Renaissance in its founding city was an incomparably lucky experience.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Ethics of Globalization
Course Department: Florence University of the Arts, LA PS EG 340
Instructor: Martino Traxler
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Extremely qualified and thought-provoking professor who successfully endeavored to explain complex ideas to everyone in the class.
Credit Transfer Issues: