Florence: So Much Fun Past Review
By Karen L (Philosophy., The College of William and Mary) for
Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence
It was an unbelievable experience. I feel a lot more aware of both American and Italian culture and not only how they differ, but how they are the same. I got to see so many things that I had learned about since I was a little kid. I also met some great people from all over the US and other students from foreign countries as well as locals.
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. |
The classes were not very difficult, but I still learned a fair amount of new information in each class. They all promoted using the museums around Florence and getting to know the area. Since the classes weren't as strenuous I was able to spend more time traveling around Italy and other places in Europe, which was what I was hoping to do more anyway. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It was phenomenal, there is nothing I can think of that I would have liked to have been done differently. Our on-site adviser was absolutely wonderful and so helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our housing arrangement was phenomenal. I had a single in an apartment with four other girls and we lived in a complex with other students on our program. We were near the center of the city (so everything was within walking distance) and we had our own outdoor terrace area. We had a washing machine and kitchen with everything we needed, except and oven - which was slightly inconvenient. It also provided bedding and a television as well as some cleaning supplies. The only thing it didn't really provide was towels. |
| * Food: |
We lived near the fresh market, which is where I'd recommend students buy the food they prepare for themselves as it is inexpensive and it gives a feel of the community. It is slightly intimidating at first if you don't speak Italian, but it is worth getting comfortable with. The food overall was great and there was plenty. My favorite restaurant was definitely Sasso di Dante and I'd highly recommend it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
All of my program's group meals were absolutely amazing. So delicious. Also, all the trips we took together were a lot of fun, well organized, and included a lot of activities and information. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It was very safe while I was there and there was easily accessible health care, though I did not use it. The only scary thing was a shooting, but that is extremely rare in Florence - as many of the locals emphasized. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Individually on food and such for the week I didn't spend much at all, but traveling was a very large expense, but so worth it. I spent a lot on both traveling and souvenirs, but as far as how much money was ultimately necessary, it was not all that expensive on a week to week basis. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke English, and the little I knew was enough to get by. I do wish I had known more Italian beforehand as most of the locals say you can appreciate a lot more when you do know the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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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? | This program is great for someone trying to experience and get to know a foreign city rather well, but also wants to be able to travel around Europe and Italy a fair amount. It is also great for students who don't know a foreign language before going abroad. |
