Just Go Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors are incredible. They challenged me to re-evaluate my assumptions about education, and life in general. I'm a business major (accounting) and I took my first drawing class in years. The most exceptional thing that happened, was the history and culture professor brought in the art professor. It was the first time I saw two different disciplines work together like that, and it was amazing because hearing about the art really solidified how the culture of the time was evolving. Also I loved all of the optional field trips but the one to Naples, Pompeii and Sorrento was a do not miss.

On-site administration of your program

It's a smaller school so the administration is really responsive to any issues that come up.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments they arranged were centrally located and close to the school, but pretty far from the big grocery store (il centro was close). I also shared an apartment with 4 other girls. That's right, four, so there were five of us and only one shower the first semester. Also the wifi in the apartment was crazy expensive and not everyone thought we needed it so two of us paid the fee, I think it was like 100 euro for the spring semester, it was cheaper for the fall because everyone helped pay.

The best Chinese food is just around the corner (though I don't recommend the wontons) and a sandwich shop two blocks down ( Li X Li) that was unbelievable.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Even though Florence is a touristy city, English is not very commonly spoken, so it was very much an immersion experience. I do know other students that didn't feel as connected for one reason or another, but for me, my Italian may have been horrible, but the only way to improve is to practice, so I would talk to random strangers on the train and anywhere I went. I spent spring break in Sicily, and I toured the ruins at Agrigento with a woman who spoke German and Italian, but no English. I never had a better time in my life.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Bring cold medications, you will probably get sick and cough drops are crazy expensive. other than that there weren't any health issues that I was aware of.

It's a major city, so as long as you take common sense precautions (if you party make sure you don't go out by yourself, act like you know where you're going even if you don't), you'll be fine

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

The food and personal expenses weren't that bad, easily less than 100 euro a week, but the biggest expense came from traveling.

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

from the second semester the Italian class was all in Italian. Beyond that all of the classes were in English, though the professors and staff did encourage us to interact with those around us and helped with any translation questions we would have.

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• Apartment

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Professors
• Classes
• Ability to travel

• 8 am is no time to have a cooking class

The Academic or Linguist