Best Time of My Life Past Review
By Brittany Q (Business Administration, University of Vermont) for
AIFS: Florence - Richmond in Florence and Internship Program
My experience was absolutely worthwile and I gain a sense of independence and grew in so many ways.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was reasonable for being abroad. The teachers and program staff understood that we were abroad to travel and explore rather than spending all of our free time studying. I didn't think the grading system was too different; most classes had quizzes, 2 or 3 exams, and a final. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff was great. They were always there to help us with the littlest of issues and were Italian so they knew what they were talking about. The program size was good, there was about 160 of us and we had our own school rather than being integrated in a local Florence University. My expectations were beyond met. I had the time of my life. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lucked out and was placed in a newly renovated apartment with two other girls. We had everything provided for us except food and toiletries. In addition, we had a roof top terrace with a gorgeous view of the Duomo. I felt safe in my neighborhood and was close to many restaurants and nightclubs. |
| * Food: |
The restaurant/cafe/store selections on the meal plan were fantastic. It was great to eat out every night and experience real Italian food rather than having to make every meal on our own. The quantity at some was great -- so many dishes. Favorite restaurants were Goldenview and Il Teatro. For pizza -- Gustapizza. For paninis -- Gustapanino. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
All the trips planned by the program (Rome, Venice, Viareggio) we great. The accomodations were always good, though a lot crammed into a weekend time frame. The Carnival in Viareggio was such an experience and seeing both Rome and Venice showed us the different atmospheres in Italy other than Toscany. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt safe. I was more cautious at night, especially when alone but if you are smart and are aware of your surroundings, you should be fine. |
| 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 |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
We took a two-week, 4 hour a day Italian class for the time in Siena for orientation. After, it was just a class three days a week. I used some phrases in everyday life but I was able to get away with not using the language as much as I thought. Many new how to speak English. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This experience was the best one I have had so far. It exposed me to so many new cultures and cities (travel was so easy). I was able to more independent than I already was and meet new people from all over that I would have never originally met. Definately worth a semester. |
