Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Semester in Florence...with mostly Americans Past Review

By (Susquehanna University) - abroad from 01/24/2018 to 05/10/2018 with

Global Semesters: Florence - Semester in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained new cultural perspectives and had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes did not follow the course descriptions listed; other topics were covered and the classes were structured differently than explained.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Olivia was very helpful whenever we had questions! Meetings and program trips were planned according to our individual interests and schedules.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was very close to the city center/ Duomo and was extremely spacious for European standards. We did have a few problems with the electricity and refrigerator. The apartment did not include a toaster, microwave, or dishwasher; some FUA apartments did.

* Food:

Food was not provided through the program, we were expected to provide our own meals. The school did have a restaurant run by culinary students and that was very good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I would have liked to be more integrated with local culture. Joining Italian Family Club through FUA and the Global Semesters experience definitely helped with integration--I just would have wanted more.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues.

* Safety:

I did not have any safety issues. The apartment had two gates before getting to our front door. The overall city was very safe and I never felt uncomfortable walking around alone.

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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money before you leave for your trip so you know exactly how much you can spend! Don't rely on borrowing money (or using a credit card) and having to pay it back.

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

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? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to use the language even when people reply to you in English.

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?
  • Small group
  • Ability to get involved on campus
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-departure organization
  • Immersion
  • Language classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Florence is a very difficult city to meet locals in...I was warned, but should have considered it more in making my decision.

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!