Spring 2023 Semester Abroad
Ratings
Academics: 3
Support: 4
Fun: 5
Housing: 3
Safety: 4
Review
What a fantastic experience! While there were some issues with Florence University of the Arts, the EdOdyssey program was nothing short of amazing. Stefano was an enormous help with any and everything, and our housing was in an amazing spot. Florence is a truly incredible city, and I wouldn't trade this semester for the world. Amazing people, amazing food, amazing city–what more could I ask for! Plenty of off the beaten path adventures and opportunities to travel internationally and domestically!
Would you recommend this program?
Yes, I would
Year Completed
2023
Recommended for...?
Adventure travelers
Building your resume
History Buffs
Students
Private Note to Provider (optional)
There were multiple instances where the Florence University of the Arts administration and staff were not up to par. To begin, there is a very strict policy regarding absences; you get up to a certain amount depending on how often the class meets during the week. I understand this, as it is an academic program; however, they do not allow any excused absences unless a student is sick with Covid, even if they have a doctors note telling them to not go to class. This is unacceptable, as there are many other illnesses that are severe and do not allow students to attend class. When this situation happened to me, the administration refused to review my situation and instead decided that just because I wasn't failing any classes, they wouldn't excuse any of me absences. It felt like I was talking to a machine when trying to explain personal issues, as the rules were so strictly adhered to that they allowed no room for individual understanding.
Further, the professors teaching courses were not very understanding. Most of them approached their classes as though they had to prove that study abroad programs required the completion of academic assignments; this lead to the creation of assignments that were not related to the course material and a heavy busy-work workload. I understand that study abroad programs are educational, but a lot of the work given wasn't meant to improve comprehension rather to uphold the university's need to prove that they are legitimate.
Further, the professors teaching courses were not very understanding. Most of them approached their classes as though they had to prove that study abroad programs required the completion of academic assignments; this lead to the creation of assignments that were not related to the course material and a heavy busy-work workload. I understand that study abroad programs are educational, but a lot of the work given wasn't meant to improve comprehension rather to uphold the university's need to prove that they are legitimate.