America is my country, but Florence is my hometown. Past Review
By Megan M (HISTORY., Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville) for
Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville (SIUE): Florence - History Program in Italy
My study abroad experience was amazing. I met a lot of great people. I was able to immerse myself in a culture that I thoroughly enjoy. I was able to see the things that I have studied throughout my college career. This trip has further established my goal of working in a museum, being a professor, and becoming a practicing historian.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I liked the way the education was handled on this trip. We weren't stuck in a classroom all day. We had our lessons at the places we talked about and got hands on experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our faculty leader has been to Italy many times. She was able to give us hands on information about practical things of the country and culture, as well as, the history itself. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our housing was an apartment that was 2 or 3 blocks from the school we used. It was spacious and had plenty of room for the 4 of us. It came with many things like sheets, cookware, etc. |
| * Food: |
Our faculty leader knew of some great places to eat, otherwise we were on our own. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
On our own time we frequented a local cafe and made friends with the people that worked there and frequented there. They were locals and it added a greater connection to Florence for me. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We covered what to do if there were any health issues before the trip. Our faculty advisor reenforced that when we got there and the school, SRISA, further elaborated on it as well. I felt safe enough to walk through the streets at night with a friend without having to worry about someone trying to hurt us or rob us. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are a history or art history major as I am, this trip is amazing! You get to see everything that you have covered in your studies. If you are not in those majors, still go! It will broaden your horizons and you will learn a different culture. |
