ASA is the only way!!! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Being able to take courses in Italy was incredible. The hands-on approach of classes was very different than the American style of teaching college students. I definitely preferred walking around the city for my history class and actually cooking food for my culinary classes. I want to go back so badly to this style of teaching.

On-site administration of your program

I LOVED the Site Directors, Chiara and Federica, that helped all of us ASA Florence students. They became like family to us, and they helped with so many minor inconveniences, questions, concerns and major things as well. They truly cared about students and our experiences! They only wanted the best for us in the four months we were there.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my cute little apartment. My friends and I all had different style and sized apartments, but each had its own unique lovable qualities.

There is no better quality food in the world than Italian food. You can't even argue with this. All of the love and effort they put into the making of the fresh food is evident from the second it gets set in front of you.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated into the culture of Italy because of how helpful the Site Directors, Chiara and Federica, were.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The doctor visited my apartment (a house call) when I was sick, and it was organized by Chiara, the Site Director, so I didn't even have to do anything or go anywhere to get checked out. It's so simple to receive help for your health!

It's super safe; the only thing is if you're a male do not get into any verbal or physical altercations with Italian males, because other providers' male students had a few problems while there, but no ASA boys did. I never felt unsafe as a female either.

If I hadn't stumbled upon the acronym ASA, I would not be the person typing this review. I would not be as curious, hungry and driven as I now am. I aspire to see as much of this beautiful world as I can, and with ASA I was able to travel to 11 countries, including my host country, Italy. After experiencing the semester of a lifetime and making the most amazing friends who have similar aspirations in life and the same eagerness to travel to new places and meet new people, I look forward to all of the adventures to come. ASA is an organization that provides each student with so much support from the time you fill out the application to as soon as you step off the plane in your host country and all throughout your semester abroad. The individuals who work for ASA are passionate about their job and care so much about students, their well-being and their experience. I don't know who I would be or where I would be if I had selected another provider to study abroad with, but I sure am grateful I chose ASA :)

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I saved up a decent amount of money with the intention of being able to do everything and using every last euro, and I did. I traveled every weekend, ate out a lot and was able to always say yes to whatever my friends asked me to do.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We were encouraged to speak Italian by our Site Directors and they helped us translate things. However, we were not forced to take a language course while there.

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• Apartment

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• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans

• Opportunities
• Site Directors
• Friends from other U.S. universities I made

• More student interns on universities could be hired to spread the word about ASA to prospective study abroad students.

The Avid Adventurer