Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I wish I could relive it again Past Review

By (Alfred University) - abroad from 01/08/2012 to 05/08/2012 with

Global Semesters: Florence - Semester in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and the art world in other countries and also so much about Italian culture. It was definitely worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was a lot of work to balance with the classes that I took, but I learned a lot and wouldn't change it for the world.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Amazing food from the markets

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was hard for me to make Italian friends with the language barrier

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? fairly often, its a once in a lifetime opportunity that I felt justified extra expense
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? take out cash from atms in large amounts so that you avoid the conversion fees a little bit more. pay by card as little as possible

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

we took Italian and learned so much by going out and trying out the words that we had learned in class

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3 years of french
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? learn all the basics before you go, like hello, can you help me with directions, im sorry, money terms, and words to use when ordering food.

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?
  • The Professors
  • The field trips
  • The close knit group of students
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe integrating students more into the culture somehow
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew how easy traveling is. Even though its kind of scary by yourself, people are almost always willing to help you, no matter what language they speak.

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!