Semester abroad at the Università degli Studi Firenze - Social Work (B. A.)

The decision

I wanted to live abroad for a while in a different culture and language. To enjoy the art and food of Italy (coffee, pasta vongole, wine from Chianti).
And above all, to grow through challenges and get to know new people with different stories and traditions.

Preparations

The application process was relatively straightforward. I attended an A1 language course at the VHS, which was also really great. However, the A2 course in Vienna, where I did my internship in the 4th semester, left a lot to be desired. I could have been better prepared with my language skills.

I didn't need a visa for Italy and I arrived relatively quickly and without any problems by plane.

The accommodation

Finding accommodation was a bit of a hassle. I actually used Facebook a lot here (I couldn't afford to use university or websites like Airbnb or Housinganywhere), but in the end I found my flat share via Instagram. As Novoli was a bit too far away for me to live in during the winter, I moved to another flat share in a more central location halfway through. I found it through friends.

Studying at the university

There were introductory events, but I missed them because I arrived too late for the start of the semester. Fortunately, I received all the information again by email. Apart from that, I had the feeling that you were left alone with problems and didn't really have anyone to talk to. I enjoyed attending two of my four courses, which had a good atmosphere and involved presentations and essays. The other two were frontal teaching with written and oral exams. Recommendation: "History & Politics of Contemporary Africa".

Everyday life and free time

The cost of living in Florence is relatively high (€500 average monthly rent in a small shared room and often €13 for a plate of pasta). I went to museums and exhibitions very often, and I can highly recommend the "Museo Stibbert" and "Palazzo Strozzi". I also found a cute ceramics studio where I could make pottery. Sport was difficult because you have to show medical certificates everywhere and everything is very expensive. I then found the "Swan" gym, which is nice because they have lots of classes with younger people.

Conclusion and tips

I would give my stay abroad 7/10 ★. Florence is beautiful, but for me personally it lacks a modern/alternative young scene and in general Italy is too conservative for me in many places. In any case, learn the language better beforehand, because many Italians don't want to speak English or can't! Next time I would go to a bigger city or to Spain/Portugal.