Living in Florence: Tough To Get Used To, But A Good Experience Past Review

By (Architecture, Roger Williams University) for

Roger Williams University - Florence Program

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

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

Besides the apartment the administration rented for 10 male students to share, everything went smoothly. The few times I needed to bring something to their attention, they handled it in a timely manner.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were provided with an apartment upon arrival. Everything we needed furniture and amenity wise was provided for us, even if we had to ask for it, we received it within a week or so. The problem was that there were 10 male students living together, so the apartment was always in dire need of cleaning, and only 3 of us were willing to clean. In the future, the program should not use this apartment because 10 students should never be forced to live together.

* Food:

We had to provide for ourselves. Had nothing to do with the program. (side note: Italian food isn't as fantastic as you might expect when you're on a budget.)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Once you learn how to speak Italian, the people are friendly enough. Try to learn quickly though because before that, they tend to snub you.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

One girl needed to have her appendix out while we were there. She was treated very quickly and received free emergency surgery. Very safe during the day. At night there are large groups of drunk Italians roaming around, so you should always travel in groups after dark.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

Many people speak English, but they tend to snub you if you don't speak Italian. We practiced with Italian University Students.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring warm clothes. Plan on visiting another European country during the break. Visiting the UK was a great break and allowed us to speak English with other English speaking peoples. Get a Wind cell phone with navigation.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Advance Architectural Design Studio

Course Department: ARCH.413.F1
Instructor: Carlo Achille
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Teacher was good, but the classroom environment was horrible. Very difficult to accomplish anything in that studio
Credit Transfer Issues: Have not yet received grades. No solution yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Architecture in Context

Course Department: Arch.477.F1
Instructor: Franco Pisani
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Great Class. Great instructor
Credit Transfer Issues: Have not yet received grades. No solution yet.
Course Name/Rating:

History of Italian Design

Course Department: ARCH.530.F1
Instructor: Franco Pisani
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Great course. Very interesting subject. Great Instructor
Credit Transfer Issues: Have not yet received any grades. No solution yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Elementary Italian 101

Course Department: Ital.101.F1
Instructor: Elena Bandinelli
Instruction Language: Italian/English
Comments: Great Teacher, learned enough italian to survive in the country
Credit Transfer Issues: Have not yet received grades. No solution yet.