I am so grateful for this program Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Like the Sarah Lawrence home campus in Bronxville, there is a lot of work that you are responsible for. But because of the academic rigor of the Florence program, the experience is infinitely more meaningful than simply a vacation in Italy.

On-site administration of your program

The women who run the school, Cristina, Paola, and Irene are some of the most devoted and creative people I have ever met. They know how to create unforgettable experiences and have so many connections and resources throughout the city, and even beyond Florence. There are so many opportunities that the administration provides, as well as basically anything you could need. They are always there for you, with smiles and genuine care! So patient and giving. I am in awe!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I think that a crucial element of this program is the fact that we were all given our own room. With the intense workload and the amount of walking (because florence is so small you walk EVERYWHERE and its awesome) it was very important to have your own space to go back to at the end of the day, or at any time of day. Getting enough sleep is important in this kind of environment, because staying healthy is the key to enjoying the city and getting as much as possible out of the limited time an abroad experience can provide in a new country. Living with a host family with your own room is the ideal way to go abroad because it is the only way to learn the language, and is the unique balance of independence and security.

Breakfast and dinner are part of the program, and it is a good opportunity to practice speaking Italian and learning about the regional food of Tuscany. There were a lot of vegetables, which was great. Italy has really amazing quality of food, so I stayed healthy and in shape with all the walking (even though I ate a lot of gelato).

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Florence is notorious among Italians for being a more closed culture, meaning they don't open up as easily to Americans or foreigners in general, but I think the Sarah Lawrence program is set up in a way that gives you such an advantage with the language that it is possible to break through that barrier. I stayed for a whole year, and really feel able to navigate the city easily. I have explored all over, and feel really comfortable knowing where I am and where I'm going, and I can communicate in a way that usually impresses Florentines, who normally encounter american students who are basically ignorant of the language. I owe this cultural advantage to living in a home stay where my Italian was used all the time.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The administration helps so much if you need anything, including a trip to the doctor, or even knowing which pharmacy is closest to your house.

The only thing that is difficult about living in a home stay is potentially not having someone to walk with, as you're normally meeting up with friends out, instead of leaving or coming back together. However, Florence is a relatively safe city, compared to other metropolitan cities at night. As long as you know where you are, which absolutely takes time, because Florence can be confusing at first, you are safe. I would say the only incidents I have had have been interacting with men constantly giving unwanted attention. But the city is small enough and there are busses and bikes and other ways to get from place to place quickly, so I would feel comfortable walking anywhere at night.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It is very easy to find affordable food in Florence. But it will be tempting to go for drinks, which gets expensive, and traveling around Europe definitely adds up, even with budget airlines, trains etc. Overall, it is easy to have an amazing time for not very much money. Definitely not excessive extra costs than you would have at home. Also being able to walk makes a huge money saving difference.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The administration only spoke to us in Italian, and all the teachers and host families are very patient when communicating.

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• Host Family

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• International Students
• Host Family

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• Americans

• The size. Having a small community was really important when living in a city.
• The school itself was such an amazing environment.

• More time spent with the Italian classes walking around the city.

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer