I know I am living a charmed life. I attend class a few days a week at some of the most amazing places in the world, and my weekends are free for travel, relaxation or studying on my own. Also included in my life of bliss is the opportunity to study in not one, but two foreign countries, and, as my time in Florence dwindles, and my journey to London quickly approaches, I find myself constantly evaluating the first half of a program that has brought me so much happiness and so many cherished memories.

The efficiency, helpfulness and adaptability of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest, the association which organizes the London and Florence program, as well as several other study-abroad programs, along with its staff, have allowed me an experience free of anxiety and full of learning and exploration. Before I ever left U.S. soil, I knew that even if something tragic happened, ACM would offer me every possible form of assistance. The London/Florence Program Associate, Krista Geier, was an assuring contact as questions arose before and after arrival. When Kelli was pick-pocketed, Krista helped her parents get money to Kelli quickly so that she could get along until her new debit card arrived.

Krista is not the only person who has shown their dedication to the ACM, this program and its students. Sarah Braun, a 2007 MC graduate, came to Florence a few years ago. When I met her father this past fall at the Monmouth/Knox football game, he told me how much he knew I’d love Florence, and quickly asked, “Have you met Janet yet?” When I replied “No, not yet,” he said in a most assuring voice, “Oh, you’ll love her.”

Janet Smith is the program director here in Florence, and she also teaches the Art History course. She is a truly fabulous woman, with an incredible gift for teaching. She offers her vast knowledge of art, history and life in an educational and exciting way, and more admirable is her dedication to the students. Janet is always striving to help us make connections and understand the art before us, and, more than that, she truly cares about our well-being.

This weekend, I could feel an impending illness, and by this morning, I realized that I could no longer ignore it. I called Janet, and not only did she give me all the information for an English-speaking doctor, but also checked in throughout the day to see how I was feeling and volunteered to accompany me to my appointment. It was a terrible feeling to realize I needed medical attention and could not tackle the situation on my own, but Janet went out of her way to aid my discomfort; and so far, everyone involved in this program has gone above and beyond to make the students’ experience one of a kind.

However, where there are strengths, there are also weaknesses. ACM is experiencing some major changes, and I fear that students in the future may not receive all the enrichment that I have experienced here in Florence. With these changes at ACM and the terrible value of the U.S. dollar, there is large talk of budget-cutting. While I study in London, an ACM representative will appear for a few days to evaluate the program and look for ways to cut costs.

In my opinion, that seems entirely illogical; one person is going to evaluate an entire program by sitting in on a few classes, all before asking any students or faculty their opinions. I wonder how much it is going to cost ACM to fly someone from Chicago to London and accommodate them for a few days in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Plus, London/Florence is only one of several programs that will be evaluated. It seems to me if they are looking to save money; they could start by keeping their representatives in Chicago, and asking for responses from past and present students and faculty of the program. Until that has happened, I see no reason to spend significant amounts of money on short, seemingly inefficient visits for evaluation. There could be some amazing explanation, but I have yet to think of an overwhelmingly positive purpose.

Florence has been an experience for me that I doubt will ever be paralleled. The first half of the ACM London and Florence program receives my utmost praise and satisfaction, and I am hopeful that my time in London will be just as enjoyable. Hopefully, students for years to come will be able to share in my praise of ACM and its programs.

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