Everyday is a learning experience. Grazie Italia! Past Review
By Alejandra Chavez (Global Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/07/2018 to 06/27/2018 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Florence
During my time abroad I learned how to be independent while also learning to make new friends who I wouldn't normally have on campus. My host family was the best part of my experience, and although it was a bit awkward in the beginning I looked forward to eating a meal with them everyday and practicing Italian.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Really enjoyed my courses with Middlebury, not so much the university ones. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone is genuinely concerned about you and is willing to help you in any way possible. They made me feel very welcomed during my entire stay. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
my host family was the best part of my study abroad. |
| * Food: |
More than amazing |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
resources were given to us and explained with much detail |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Florence is a beautiful city filled with so much history and culture. There is always something new to do and learn about. I had every opportunity to practice my language abilities |
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) |
If you are smart about your expenses, it can be fairly easy. But also very easy to go out and get dessert every night. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 60 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be conscious of what you really need and not what you want. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Middlebury does a great job at encouraging everyone to practice their speaking skills both inside and outside the classroom |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | ITAL354 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Keep speaking in Italian, sooner or later the waiters and everyone else will help you and teach you new phrases |
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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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
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? | There will be ups and downs, days when you will feel out of place, but there is always someone available to talk to you from the Middlebury program |
Individual Course Reviews
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