203 reviews
4.09 / 5 based on 203 reviews
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1
skazedon
Expenses
Main source of funding:
An ERASMUS grant
Other sources of funding:
Personal savings
Work opportunities:
I didn't want/need to work
Personal spending habits
Serious question??! Florence is a very expensive city (10 000 lire/drink) but I didn't mind because I had the time of my life - actually, I'm going back to Fi in October 2001. I came back broke but rich in experience...
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Food, Nightlife, Housing, Travel, Overall, Telephone:
was more expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Eat in Via San Gallo, Via del Romito (nice "mensa"!), get to know Mario (smile), buy a used bike (public transport is an adventure anyway), almost all bars have "happy hours", many free concerts in the Cascine in summer, great market in the Cascine once a week.
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skazedon
Languages
Language of instruction: Italian
Was learning Italian a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my Italian
How much did you improve your Italian?
My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
If you really want to learn Italian you simply have to go to Italy. The people are very nice, helpful and thankful for every "grazie" and "Ciao". Don't be afraid of talking but never forget that Italians are very polite people - they would never correct you if you don't ask them to! The city of Florence pays for a language class (Via Morgani). The Italian spoken in and around Florence (toscano) is really nice and you'll soon pick up an accent.
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skazedon
Overall
I wish I had known...
I wish I had known more about Italian men...
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In my opinion:
I loved it but I'm not sure everybody would.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Go and find out!
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
A year after having studied in Florence I'm still in love with the city and Tuscany. I had the time of my life and can only strongly recommend a stay there. True, Italy is different but if you take things easy, open your heart and mind you'll have a great time. Easy on the tasty food, tough... it's sooo easy to put on weight. Contact me, if you want to know more. Ciao a tutti.
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skazedon
Academic
Course recommendations
Fantastic but very demanding Italian literature and linguistic courses! Prof. Massimo Fanfani (linguistics) is great speaks slowly and is very helpful! Avoid English literature classes with a certain Pugliati - dreadful pronunciation and unfair! Talk to your teachers - they are very helpful and definitely want to pass you! Classes last the whole year - try to take mid-term exams whenever possible.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
The libraries are a desaster! There are very little computers on the campus. (Try Via Alfani - for law students only but open till 11 p.m.). And please pleas get an air condition - the heat in summer kills you!
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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skazedon
Student life
Describe host city:
Travel, Activities: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Weekly student meeting in the Cardillac (Via degli Alfani) - ask for the AEGEE guys Mario (always has tickests for the coolest clubs), Luigi, Alessio, Roberto (born organisers). Don't miss: Full up, the Latin American disco "Jaraguar", The Central Park, concerts in Santo Spirito, for chocolate Lovers: Hemingway (even have chocolate spoons!!), also don't miss the different "sagre"!! Avoid cafès , bars etc. in the center/near Ponte Vecchio - they are tourist traps!
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skazedon
Housing
Type of housing: I shared an apartment with other students
Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice
If returning, I would choose: share a flat with other students
Why?
Great to get to know people outside university. No contracts - you leave when you want.
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Personal comments
The University of Florence does not provide any accommodation at all but it's quiet easy to find something nice if you start looking early (September). Really helpful: La Pulce where you find many ads every week. People advertise free rooms also in Piazza Brunelleschi and on campus. Don't pay agencies for addresses - you can find the same in the Pulce.
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