Study abroad - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

dogma13554u · 01-09-2005, 11:44 AM

In a few days I leave for the upcoming semester in florence (a little less than 4 months). Is there any advice that anybody can offer me for about being abroad for so long, or about florence in general?

rhaevyn · 01-09-2005, 01:39 PM

Have a wonderful time!

I spent 3 weeks in Europe two summers ago, not really a long time at all, but I spent a day or two in Florence, and it was nice.

maleficent · 01-10-2005, 01:31 PM

Keep a travel journal -- either handwritten or electronically, there's so much you will be experiencing, that you are bound to forget a lot...

experience everything you can... try new foods, explore the city and it's surroundings, and not just what the guidebooks say.

talk to the locals, and do your best with the language.

send lots of postcards, including to yourself for when you get home -- it's a cool reminder of the trip and helps to relive some fun memories.

This experience is what you make of it... If you have a roommate that is awful... or a class that is not what you thought it would be - don't let it spoil the adventure for you. Just roll with the punches and have a blast...

keyshawn · 01-10-2005, 02:05 PM

I wholly agree with Maleficent's advice. I occasionally read my journal that I kept during my trip to europe [over the summer, 3 weeks]. It reminds me a lot of what I forget, and reminded me of all the good times I had - it's a great pick-me-up

Don't be afraid to take a lot of pictures too, if you want to. Also, I'd recommend not to cave into American culture there. For example, some of my fellow travelers went to Mcdonald's in France for a snack, though they had a few other choices to eat from.
Be Open and don't be afraid to ask questions !

discotequi · 01-11-2005, 09:32 AM

get the eurorail pass and burn it up... spend your nights sleeping on the train and your days exploring the next city you come to. have a great time...

tellumFS · 01-12-2005, 09:56 PM

Well, 4 months isn't long enough. Make the most of it. Travel around Italy, but get to know Florence. Kind of spartan advice, but you really have to shape your time abroad for yourself.

01-09-2005, 11:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
dogma13554u Crazy	Study abroad In a few days I leave for the upcoming semester in florence (a little less than 4 months). Is there any advice that anybody can offer me for about being abroad for so long, or about florence in general? __________________ So many people to love in my life. Why do I worry about one? - Ben Harper

01-09-2005, 01:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
rhaevyn Insane Location: Pittsburgh, PA	Have a wonderful time! I spent 3 weeks in Europe two summers ago, not really a long time at all, but I spent a day or two in Florence, and it was nice. __________________ ~Alex~ You've come far, and though you're far from the end, you don't mind where you are, 'cause you know where you've been.

01-10-2005, 01:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Keep a travel journal -- either handwritten or electronically, there's so much you will be experiencing, that you are bound to forget a lot... experience everything you can... try new foods, explore the city and it's surroundings, and not just what the guidebooks say. talk to the locals, and do your best with the language. send lots of postcards, including to yourself for when you get home -- it's a cool reminder of the trip and helps to relive some fun memories. This experience is what you make of it... If you have a roommate that is awful... or a class that is not what you thought it would be - don't let it spoil the adventure for you. Just roll with the punches and have a blast... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

01-10-2005, 02:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
keyshawn Psycho	I wholly agree with Maleficent's advice. I occasionally read my journal that I kept during my trip to europe [over the summer, 3 weeks]. It reminds me a lot of what I forget, and reminded me of all the good times I had - it's a great pick-me-up Don't be afraid to take a lot of pictures too, if you want to. Also, I'd recommend not to cave into American culture there. For example, some of my fellow travelers went to Mcdonald's in France for a snack, though they had a few other choices to eat from. Be Open and don't be afraid to ask questions ! __________________ currently reading: currently playing :

01-11-2005, 09:32 AM	#5 (permalink)
discotequi Tilted Location: Dallas	get the eurorail pass and burn it up... spend your nights sleeping on the train and your days exploring the next city you come to. have a great time...

01-12-2005, 09:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
tellumFS Tilted	Well, 4 months isn't long enough. Make the most of it. Travel around Italy, but get to know Florence. Kind of spartan advice, but you really have to shape your time abroad for yourself.