Frolicking in Florence: Fun, Fantastic, Forever Life-changing! Past Review
By Cailin S (Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, Towson University) for
Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence
I feel like I have become a more independent, capable adult. I truly feel like I broke out of my comfort zone and made the best of my experience. It opened my eyes to a more worldly and well-rounded view. It made me want to travel more and experience even more of the world. I am considering going to graduate school or interning abroad in the near future.
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. |
Although the course work was more than I expected, overall it was a great experience in the classroom. Much of my class consisted of going to museums and churches that gave me on-site exposure to the Art History I was learning about. I had to give a presentation and write a paper for the class along with a midterm and a final. Because my program was only three weeks it seemed to be all crammed in but I never felt incredibly overwhelmed. Because I was only there for a short time though, I was more inclined to go out and explore than to study or do homework. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt I was very proactive in getting things done for myself with the program. It was semi-difficult because the adviser for Italy changed 3 times from the time I started inquiring about the program until I left. Our final adviser who is still here was by far the most helpful and accessible. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My apartment was extremely well acquitted and was extremely close to everything. It was located in the very center of Florence and everything was a five minute walk. Our neighbor's were all very nice and I loved my apartment complex. |
| * Food: |
I have a very sensitive stomach and suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and had little to no problem as I feared I would while in Italy. I drank tap water everyday and had lots of pasta. The portion sizes are much more reasonable then in the states and I was never overly stuffed. Everything was fresh and amazingly delicious, I never had a bad meal! It was always more expensive to sit down and eat then to take it away with you! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My program allowed me to see gelato being made which was the best experience ever! It was so enjoyable and the people were so nice and accommodating. We also got to see the Giselle ballet for only 5 euro which was an amazing opportunity, especially because I am a dancer. With my friends, we walked the top of the Duomo and saw the entire city of Florence with breathtaking views. We also did day trips to Venice and Rome, exploring all the landmarks there. Another day we did a Tuscany tour through Walkabout Florence, which was a great day! I tried to spend everyday going to a new museum, church, or landmark. I saw so many amazing things it is hard to list them all! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Overall, I felt extremely safe in Florence. I always traveled in packs and even late at night never felt unsafe. I didn't deal with anything healthcare related or vaccines before going. |
| 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? | I did not realize I would have to spend money on the Declaration of Presence. Save money on water bottles by drinking from the tap. Venture outside the city center to find cheaper grocery stores and cooking your own dinner will save you a lot of money! Sitting down to eat will always cost you more, so pick and choose the best places to spend the extra time and money. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes 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? | Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. I was petrified when I found out none of my roommates were from my home institution but it ended up being the best opportunity of my life. My roommate became my best friend and we are still in close contact. I never wanted to leave and will forever save money so I can go back. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Art History I: Antiquity to Early Renaissance |
| Course Department: | ART 180 |
| Instructor: | Professor Carlotta Fuhs |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | The course was challenging but definitely utilized the opportunity of being in Florence. Mrs. Fuhs was very knowledgeable and well prepared everyday. I participated more in this class than I do on a regular basis at home because it was more expected and encouraged in this class. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
