Italy: La Vita e Bella If You're Prepared! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took two 400-level courses which I was excited about,Culture Shock Psychology and Intercultural Communications, and I was very disappointed with both of them. They were really easy to the point of watching movies in class (which I had seen before) and not discussing the readings from home at all in class. I didn't feel like the MANDATORY 100% attendance policy was at all necessary, because I could have gotten the same A if I didn't show up to class. The attendance policy was ridiculous, changing courses was absolutely disorganized, and unless you take italian or art/art history classes, you will be in for a real mixed bag. My classes at TCNJ, even my 100-level courses, made these 400-levels look like a total joke -- AND at home, I could miss class if I wanted to.

On-site administration of your program

I was happy with the way things were handled, especially the staff-- they were fantastic, all Italian so they could explain the cultural differences, young women so I could relate to them well, and so much fun! I have no complaints at all about the ISA team and the office staff. You have a family with them while you're abroad, and I was very pleased. The one thing I would say to have patience with is the language barrier -- sometimes getting specifics across took a couple of attempts, but it was worth the patience!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt very safe in my apartment, and we were 2 blocks from the Duomo, so the location was amazing! I felt safe walking to and from my apartment at all times of day or night, and we were close to everything. Our neighbors downstairs were an older Italian couple, so they were quirky at times, but all in all, BEAUTIFUL apartment and I loved living there.

We cooked almost every night, did our own food shopping (the Mercato Centrale was right behind our building), and ate together as a suite. I would say to look at eating off the beaten path when you go out, and definitely walk to the Oltrarno district. The food will be cheaper and less touristy. Eat lots of produce, it's cheap and SO GOOD, something about the soil. And you'll never find chicken as "chickeny" in the states as you will in Italy/France. And eat something with white truffles or truffle oil-- it was the best thing I ever ate! Look for "secret bakeries" after late nights out to get pastries and pizza from alleyways (best memories happen after 2am), drink lots of chianti because it's fabulous, and the Doner Kebab place on Via Faenza by the Duomo is SO GOOD for late fast-food dinners. If you have gluten issues, you will have problems eating out or finding alternatives to wheat -- it's Italy, so people basically eat rice, bread, and pasta for carbs. Look around! Take a cooking class!!!! Nutella is better in Italy. And go where the locals go for gelato.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We took a cooking class, went shopping in the markets in the park, took LOTS of tours, and had the best weekend in 5 Terre at the beach. Padre Bruno was one of the best tour guides a girl can ask for, look him up at the ISA office and see if they're still in contact with him.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I always felt safe in Florence. Don't walk alone at night or drink too much and you'll be fine. The police really don't tolerate disruptive intoxicated people!! One thing I wish I was warned about was the product availability. Bring allergy, antacid, tylenol/advil, vitamins, and decongestant medicines with you, because they were incredibly expensive and hard to find in Italy (I had to pick some up on a trip to Ireland!) Italians believe in tea, orange juice, and sleep to cure most minor ailments! ** Ladies: bring tampons with applicators, because you have to really search to find anything but O.B. tampons in Florence. No applicators. Very very annoying.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans