Florence: Allow Your World to Open! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I completed a super-intensive Italian language program and as such at times it was intensive. However, I completed four levels of Italian in four months and left the country with an overall proficiency of the language! My university was small and thus personalized and often tailored the material to my interests such as journalism. We worked fast and I was expected to study on my own but extra help was generously given whenever necessary!

On-site administration of your program

Like I said, the relatively small size of the school made it possible for me to get to know all of my professors, as well as directors and other students! I attend a relatively big school in America but abroad it was very beneficial as I had a lot of questions and they were always promptly answered. The staff understood American culture and was often able to intercept efficiently when they saw a confusion may arise.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Athena Study Abroad did all the housing for us, really taking the work off our backs! I lived with three other girls in a two-bedroom, large apartment. It was gorgeous and the location could not, I repeat could not have been better-- we were located in Piazza del Duomo, right behind the Duomo in the center of the entire city! We found that it helped to purchase a few cups and mugs, as only smaller ones were provided and we accidentally broke quite a few. Some of my roommates purchased things to decorate but honestly after about a month we had enough stuff to make the apartment home, it was beautiful!

It's Italy--best food in the world! However, we had to cook all the food ourselves so give yourself some time to adjust! I believe the Florence program with Athena has a meal plan, but I opted instead for fresh Italian food!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

With Athena Study Abroad's program two field trips are included. Students can choose from many different options both in and out of the country for a weekend, whirlwind trip! Everything is planned so it definitely adds a different way to sightsee and takes some of the planning stress off you. The school itself offers cultural outings as well as events every single week from movies to museum field trips to how-to-make-gelato seminars! I know of some professors who had standing weekly dinners that their students were welcome to come to where they would eat and discuss more about the lessons and Italian culture in general.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Florence is a large city, thus safety is about similar to that of any large city. Don't walk by yourself at night, especially drunk. Don't leave drinks unattended etc etc. We were briefed in orientation over basic laws and given numbers to all hospitals and police stations. I never once felt unsafe or insecure at any hour of the day or night.

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

A lot of people speak English in Florence just because of the way the city is, however I spoke Italian every single day. With my teachers, at the markets, when shopping, I even got my haircut! It depends on how much you want to learn and how much you are willing to put yourself out there!

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• Apartment

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• Americans