Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (International Relations, Philosophy, Tufts University) for

New York University: Florence - NYU in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. A great deal. I wouldn't change one thing about it.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Intellectually stimulating, not too difficult, and very well catered to the fact that one is studying abroad. In other words, the professors know that you are studying somewhere new and take time to point out certain aspects of higher education in a foreign country rather than in teh US.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Strengths: Beautiful campus, awesome housing, well-organized, nice people, housing staff, academic advising, and they were prepared for almost all issues. Weaknesses: Very little flexibility if you do not like the way the program is run (which is hard not to like). For example, my friend wanted to drop Italian which was required but could not and had to continue. Otherwise, it's run in an outstanding fashion.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Amazing. Huge, perfectly-located. 5 guys with 3 bathrooms, a kitchen, dishwasher, and washing machine. 3 double rooms and a living room with very high ceilings. Located in the town's central piazza next to dozens of restaurants and a 5 minute walk to the Duomo and the center of Florence. Beautiful. <br /><br /> Perfect. Location, quality, and helpfulness of the staff who made sure we kept it clean. Social and very comfortable.

* Food:

Food in Italy is unbelievable, especially at this restaurant called La Giostra. Even the dining food on campus was delicious (and significantly cheaper than eating out at restaurants). Food was perfection.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had a blast learning and speaking Italian, eating Italian food, and feeling like I was part of the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The school was very prepared. Italian men are very skethcy, so a person (especially a girl) should avoid walking at night alone. Otherwise, I felt very comfortable over there.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? 300-400 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I overspent because I had planned to and am making it up now. Eating out and going to clubs a lot will be expensive but will take a good dip once the over excitement of the first two weeks simmer down and you start cooking and not go out every night. To spend less, buy drinks at the store, and cook your meals, and book travel plans early while they are cheaper. Still, expect to spend a lot because although your bank account will need some serious fixing when you come back to the States, your experience will be that much better while you are there.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
Language acquisition improvement?

If you don't know any Italian at first, you leave with a good base in the language and can communicate very effectively by the end of the semester.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You are lucky that you have that to look forward to.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

European Law
Course Department:
Instructor: Kelemen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The teacher was very nice and the topic was very detailed. As the title explains, it has to do with European law which is generally very boring. Not a class you look forward to but if you're interested in European law, you will benefit greatly.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues, it counted as a Political science class. I would recommend only if you have a genuine interest in European legal system. Otherwise, look for a different political science class.
Course Name/Rating:

US and EU Relations Since WWII
Course Department:
Instructor: D'Alimonte
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Awesome course. Even if you've learned a lot about the topic already, you still find out more. The Professor is among the best ones I've ever had. He's fun, interesting, and very passionate. He's the man, and takes time out of the class to encourage students to travel and what places to see while in Europe, particularly in Italy. He's Italian and lived in the US a long time so is very knowledgable about his subject. I vigourously recommend this professor.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues, a political science credit for a class. For poltical science majors, definitel take it. For non-humanities majors, also take it. You learn a grea deal and it's a blast.
Course Name/Rating:

Renaissance Apprenticeship
Course Department:
Instructor: Pascuzzi
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very interesting and a lot of fun. You are taught art and how to paint and draw as if you were an apprentice in the Renaissance. As someone who has never done nor enjoyed doing art, I had a blast and learned a great deal. Although you don't particularly learn which Renaissance artists painted which famous Renaissance paintings, you can go to the Uffizi and know how the artist painted or drew the various works that are there.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not, but apparently art major do because most home institutions do not see the point in learning how to do Renaissance art. It's still worth taking, with or without an art credit. It's fun and educational.
Course Name/Rating:

Elementary Italian
Course Department: Italian I
Instructor: Mara Simonti
Instruction Language: Italian
Comments: Really really fun. The professor is crazy but really nice and teaches well. Some students had a difficult time learning from her since she mainly spoke Italian, but most found her methods worked really well for them and consequently learned a lot of Italian. A really fun elementary language class. You even spend a day or two learning the various Italian hand gestures.
Credit Transfer Issues: No, it counted as Italian 1, although it really should be 1 and 2 since it is an intensive class that counts as a class and a half and NYU.