A cultural shift that makes you have to go back. August 03, 2025

By Michael A (International Politics & Economics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/08/2025 to 05/24/2025 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

The work / life balance in Italy is so much healthier than in the US. The people there work because they love it, and they don't try to constantly chase more the way that Americans do. It was certainly worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Homestays are significantly nicer than the dorms, the Beyoo Fiorentina living is not nice.
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes The language immersion aspect really made me feel like I belonged and made me feel less like a tourist and more like someone who was actually living there.

Finances

* 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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	The second you figure out your course schedule, book all of the trips that you wish to go on. That way you will know how much you have for spending money and don't have to miss out on certain trips / you understand your budget for each trip.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Advanced
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?	200 level (2 classes at intermediate level)
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?	exposure yourself to all forms of the culture (movies, songs, tv shows, etc.), and you understand not only the language better but how the language is supposed to be spoken as well.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Other
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans International Students
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?	The People The culture / outlook on life The field trips / outdoor lessons
* What could be improved?	better housing options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	It's ok to slow down every once in a while, life isn't supposed to be taken too seriously.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.	The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'