Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best decision of my life! Past Review

By (Mass Communication, University of South Florida) - abroad from 05/13/2013 to 06/21/2013 with

Florence University of The Arts: Florence - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The value of knowing people near and far. This was the best experience of my life; I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Seven girls, two bathrooms and one kitchen. There just weren't proper amenities for everyone.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

Because of my limitations on cooking in the apartment, I ate out constantly.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 350
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be sure you plan out money for food and money to spend. You're actually living in that country, so you have normal day to day expenses just like you do at home. Have money for food, everyday spending and then luxuries/extra items to bring home. If you set out how much you're willing to spend a day, only carry that amount with you, with a little bit of emergency money in a different pocket of your wallet. Also, keep in mind the exchange rates when you start saving up.

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?
  • Location
  • Class options
  • Opportunities to adventure on our own
* What could be improved?
  • Apartment options
  • Excursion accommodations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Scholarships are available for study abroad!

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'