Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Why not? Past Review

By (University of Lynchburg) - abroad from 01/21/2018 to 05/10/2018 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Florence - Semester in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Fashion classes that are not offered at my university, and I gained work experience and learned and saw art by the great master.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed the experiential learning aspect of my fashion classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Not the most organized

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was amazing, but it was pretty far from everything which was inconvenient.

* Food:

Meal plan was small, but the food quality was amazing at the school restaurant. I wish the program did more restaurant outings so that we could experience more of the culture.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not the easiest language to learn in a snap and my hair color made me always stand out. Italian dress very nice, almost always. Its not like American college where kids walk around in athletic clothing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never used the health care system.

* Safety:

I always felt safe, even walking alone at night. You just have to be alert and stay on well lit main streets.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I felt like I got a taste of everything.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

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

I was good about budgeting, but I never ate out I always cooked. The only thing that was hard to budget for was extra trips.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $100 or less
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save a lot before hand, go to the local market for groceries, split checks when going out, and do not spend all your money at bars, drink before you go out.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Travel week
* What could be improved?
  • More free meals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To save more money beforehand.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!