Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Soul searching in Italy Past Review

By (Journalism and Theatre, Susquehanna University) - abroad from 09/02/2015 to 12/17/2015 with

Global Semesters: Florence - Semester in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the power and need for language comprehension, I learned about my weaknesses and how to come to terms with them, and I learned how to live more independently on my own- besides the obvious things that I learned about the Italian culture. It was definitely a worthwhile trip.

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?

* 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? No

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? around $80 each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Put some money aside each week so that at the end of the semester you have money for gifts.

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
  • International Students
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 trips Global Semesters took us on
  • that the classes didn't take up your whole time while there
  • being able to explore the areas on weekends and talk with people who lived there and visited
* What could be improved?
  • better communication of FUA faculty regarding problems
  • more opportunities to meet locals through FUA
  • better and more flexible operating hours through the school
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that learning Italian, though not mandatory, is so essential when studying there. I also wish I knew that most of the students at FUA were Americans, not international students.

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!