Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Go for it! 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?
I learned how to be more independent

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.

Classes were not overwhelmingly difficult and left time for exploration

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Not extremely organised but got stuff done eventually

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was amazing! Only complaint was it took a while for work orders to go through.

* Food:

Ganzo was one of my favorite parts of my Italian experience. Normally I wouldn't be able to afford eating out so often, but the school restaurant offered me a chance to try new things.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I definitely stood out...I wish I knew more Italian before going.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had a problem with health, and pharmacies are easy to utilize.

* Safety:

I felt safe because I was smart about what I was doing and where I was. I did hear stories where other students were not in the best situations.

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

I loved the trips and travel weeks, the food options, and the small class sizes.

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 very good at budgeting and cooking for myself

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $35 min
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself and minimize the amount of meat consumed

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Ganzo meal plan
  • Trips(Travel week and excursions)
  • Art classes offered
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • walking distances to classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More Italian! Save more money so I could travel more!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.