La Bella Vita Indeed Past Review
By Vanessa J (Trinity University) - abroad from 05/26/2015 to 07/11/2015 with
Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence
I gained a greater sense of myself as a person and a greater sense of confidence. Getting lost lead me to some remarkable places that a map wouldn't tell me. I learned how to navigate the bus systems, that trains are a pleasant way of visiting the rest of Italy and that a car has never seemed so unnecessary. Walking around the city is the best way to see it and taking time to slow down, gaze at the many masterpieces within and without museums was always a good idea. I learned what real Italian food was and my taste has never been the same again. Making friends with similar interests as me lead me to have an unforgettable time in Florence. I learned how to be independent on a travelers level and for that I am forever grateful for this experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academic rigor was more difficult than I expected. I suppose it was because the professors had to combine a semester's worth of material suitable for the summer length courses. Nevertheless, the material was interesting and the professors were friendly. I was enrolled in an art history course focusing on Renaissance masterpieces and a fascinating cross-cultural psychology course. The school closed at 6pm during the summer. As a student, I wouldn't have minded if the library stayed open at least until 8pm the nights before exams/finals. Walking around Florence in the heat with a laptop/books is not always ideal although there are wonderful cafes and libraries within the city. The villa is a quaint place to hang out at, whether it be in the garden or in the library. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There were administrators available at all times during the school week for lifestyle, academic or general questions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living with a host family immersed into me Italian culture, language and overall lifestyle. I experienced Florence, Italy as a local and the food my host mother cooked was excellent. I feel like one gets a richer experience out of their stay by staying with a host family. The accommodation |
| * Food: |
Oh, Eataly. Your taste pallet will be ruined upon returning to the states and you will long for the Italian food your host mother made or the many cafes/restaurants served. Quality, non-processed, light and flavorful food dominate the markets from which restaurants and locals buy their food from. Buon appetite indeed. Bread, pastries, pastas...the list goes on. It is no wonder the world EXPO was being held in Milan, Italy this year. Many countries can learn from the ways of Italian food philosophy. Pro-tip: Do not eat at cafes at tourist attractions like the Florence Duomo or near other touristy piazzas.The restaurants around these areas cater toward tourists and often overprice their food and overcharge for a service fee. Instead, get lost within the Renaissance streets of Florence and stumble upon a local restaurant where customers enjoy their coffee, read the paper, and where you do not hear a word of English being exchanged. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I did not know much Italian upon arriving and over time I learned how to say basic phrases and picked up on slang my host bro/sis taught me. Besides the language barrier, I felt integrated within the culture. People live/work/study here like everyone else in the world and gradually I fell into a routine of my own within the city. Over time I began to feel more confident walking around the city and no longer depended on a map or my phone to get me somewhere. Simply walking with friends or alone and getting lost and found again will help integrate your sense of direction and location. Do not be afraid to get lost! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Like any city, you must have your wits about you and a sense of purpose when you walk. Florence, although known for being safe, is no exception to drop your guard and frolic among the streets at night. There is still crime and the people who live and work in Florence live very metropolitan lifestyles. If you and your friends are being loud underneath an apartment complex in the city late at night, do not be surprised if the residents above you throw a bucket of water down below to shut you up. It happens, just be respectful of where you are :) |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 200-300 euro a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save money before you know you are going abroad and understand that the currency exchange may not always work in favor of the dollar. BRING EURO CASH. Much easier and faster to use in Italy and you avoid the charges from your local bank for using your debit/credit card internationally. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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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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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish that I did not bring so much stuff. It is unnecessary. All you really need is your passport, money and and an insatiable appetite for knowledge and adventure. I wish that I had packed wayy lighter than I had. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
