The Joys of Living in Florence: Past Review
By Corey H (English Literature/Political Science, University of Washington) for
Universita degli Studi di Firenze: Florence - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained an a great understanding for other cultures and how they differ from ours in the United States. I learned how the peaceful yet driven Italian way can help me in my daily life in America.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was less. However, spending multiple hours a day in the classroom immersing myself in the Italian language with people from many different countries was the best way to become fluent. The only common language between us was Italian, so it's all we were able to use. Also, outside the classroom was just as great a learning tool as inside, seeing as I was surrounded by friendly Italians willing to help. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program provided so many amazing planned events, dinners and activities. Our program director, Chiara, was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. And even became a friend! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
It's Italy! The food was amazing! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Planned trips to Rome, Piza and Lucca, and Venice were the highlight of the trip. Also, the appertivos we went to in Florence as a group were so fun and tasty. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt incredibly safe in Florence. I lived in a great part of town a few blocks from the Duomo and was fine to walk or take the bus anywhere. We had healthcare coverage from the GSE program and although I never needed it, it was good to know it was there. |
| 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
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Classmates and program instructor. Not many people spoke English and Italian was the language we used most. |
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 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? | If you are active and energetic, spontaneous and ready to explore, study with GSE in Florence! If you want to immerse yourself in the true Italian culture and make some amazing friends from all around the world, this is the program for you! |
