Unforgettable Past Review

By Yaquelin S (Communication and Media Studies, University of Connecticut) - abroad from 01/08/2015 to 05/02/2015 with

UConn: Florence - UConn in Florence, Italy

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

Worthwhile? The word seems small in comparison. I believe the person that I am now is a direct result of my time abroad. It is that experience that drew the line in the sand between the old irresponsible, scared me to the woman who is now ready to take on the world (literally). If you are reading this then please understand that studying abroad isn't just an excuse to travel, it is an opportunity to become the person you think you can be. Don't let your college career pass you by without 1 semester abroad, even if it's a summer or winter term. I promise you'll never be the same.

Review Photos

UConn: Florence - UConn in Florence, Italy Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I felt the classes were intense enough to let you know you were still in college but easy enough that it gave you a chance to travel and not stress about them too much. However, I (and practically every other student) did feel that the books we were FORCED to buy were 100% unnecessary. The only book we actually used in class was the Italian book, every other book was a COMPLETE waste of money. They school forces you to spend well over $400 for books that the teachers don't even use. Of course you can sell them back at the end of the program but if you expect more than $40 for all of your books combined, you'll be grossly disappointed. Complete BS!
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	I thought all the staff at ISI were amazing. They were extremely helpful whenever and where ever you need them. They really go above and beyond for each and every student.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I think the location they choose for apartments is excellent. I know many people had complaints about their living arrangements but I can honestly say I had very little issues with mine.
* Food:	Get ready to eat! Leave the diets at home. YOSO! You Only Study abroad Once!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Integration in the local culture (at least for this program) is totally on you. There's only so much the school can do for you. Our school did many activities to help students get integrated but at the end of the day that is on you. I made a few Italian friends by participating in a language exchange and was able to get to know Florence through the local POV. I had a friend that became so close with her Italian friend that she ended up spending Easter with her family. She did the same program I did. So again, integration is solely you're responsibility.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	The health insurance was great. There was no out of pocket expenses and the doctors would see you right away. Thank God I didn't have any real medical emergencies so I can't comment on that but there was a girl that broke both her arms in an RV accident and from what I heard they took care of her pretty good. There was also a kid that fell down the stairs and they even operated on him and he never complained about the attention he received.
* Safety:	I felt really safe in Florence. I walked home alone (albeit completely sober) and never had issues. Of course you have your regualr drunk idiots that flirt with you as you walk the streets at night but as long as you don't encourage them, I find, that they are pretty harmless. Of course I don't recommend anyone, specially girls, to walk home alone late at night, try to always have a buddy or at the very least take a cab. Speaking of, any girl who takes a cab (alone) after 10 pm in Florence gets a discount for taking the cab (just make sure you ask for it). Also, during tourist season the police are very present and discourage vendors from harassing you.
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)	Easily enough. The monthly stipend was a HUGE help. I didn't get to travel as much as my roommates but I can't complain about anything.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Maybe about $40 a week not too bad.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Work and save as much as you can before your trip and only go to the places you've always wanted to go. I went on two trips just because my roommates went and I see now how big of a mistake that was because I ended up not being able to go to other places that were actually on my list.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language	The program itself didn't require us to speak Italian but the you were required to speak it for the Italian class I took.
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	Italian 102
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	YOUTUBE! The easiest way to learn any language and it's free. Also there are tons of free apps for smartphones. Duolingo is amazing cuz it's like playing games while learning. You can also download a radio app for whichever language you need. Listen while you drive, do chores, sleep, whatever. You can spend hundreds of dollars on rosetta stone and the like but I find those programs to be a complete waste when you can easily find free software. Also, italki,com is like a language skype. You can do language exchanges with people from all over the world. You help them with English and they help you with whatever language you're trying to learn.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans
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?	Florence ISI Staff Everything Else
* What could be improved?	Need to purchase books Attendance policy Need to purchase books
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	1)SAVE MONEY!!!!! 2)Time will go fast. 3)Spend money wisely 4) Give yourself time to really meet people you connect with (it will happen) 5) You don't have to be best friends with your roommates 6) Only go to the place you've always wanted to go *I did do this but many people didn't so I just to warn everyone else (study in the place you've always wanted to study and make sure to spend many weekends truly appreciating it) You can spend every weekend traveling if you want but at the end you may find that you wasted an amazing opportunity to know your host country and become a part of it). Florence is now a part of me and when I go back to visit it'll probably feel like it did when I was there, like a part of me was home.

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 Outright Urbanite A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Intro Photography
Course Department:
Instructor:	Gloria Marco-Munuera
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This class is intense. Gloria is a fantastic teacher but I felt, at times, that she forgot we were a beginners course. This could be both bad and good. Good because you do end up learning a hell of a lot and you learn how to turn in quality work. And considering that Gloria is a successful photographer whose had work hung in galleries all over the world, if she gives you her seal of approval you can pretty much bank on you work. However, don't expect to have your hand held and definitely don't take her class expecting an easy A.You'll be very disappointed.
Credit Transfer Issues: