Florence, Italy: an Indelible Treasure Past Review

By (Agriculture Systems Technology Management, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for

Universita degli Studi di Firenze: Florence - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. Without a doubt it was the greatest experience of my life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was reasonable. The grading system was efficient and understandable. The teaching methods were excellent. The overall experience was far greater than that of my experience at my home university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I believe the way that the program in the home country was run was exceptional.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing set up (an apartment near the city centre) was well furnished, and was managed excellently.

* Food:

In Italy, there is really no such thing as "bad food"

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Italian culture is a real privilege to experience if you ever get the opportunity. Avoid the touristy areas and go explore the cities, you will learn a lot more that way.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city in which I stayed, Florence, is very safe.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Immersion is typically the best way to learn a new language, by forcing the student to learn it. It is a great way to learn a new language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Every. Single. Thing.
* What could be improved?
  • Well, if money wasn't an object, I would like to have more of it to travel more often.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you are considering going abroad, do it while you still can. It will change your life. Through good and bad instances, you will always look back and remember the times you were abroad. You will gain countless stories, friends and knowledge not only about your host country, but yourself as well.