Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Mi manca Firenze! Past Review

By (Interactive Design, Maryville University of Saint Louis) - abroad from 05/01/2012 to 06/01/2012 with

Global Semesters: Florence - Summer in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad in Florence has been my favorite educational experience! I highly recommend it. The opportunity to regularly visit some of the best museums on the planet, and photograph the people and places of Florence, have enriched me far beyond my education.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

With a variety of courses offered, I received a well-rounded educational experience in Art History, Digital Photography, and Metals.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone at SRISA was fantastic, they were always willing to help out with any need that arose.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I would give my housing five stars, but it took a lot of getting used to not having a clothes dryer! In all seriousness, living next to the Medici Chapel and Mercado Centrale was incredible. Mi manca Firenze!!!

* Food:

Excellent! I could go on for days about all of the fabulous places to eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The first few days were spent getting lost and enjoying every minute of it! By the end of the week, I could navigate the city and felt right at home. I do advise learning some basic Italian phrases, everyone is not fluent in English and it will help you make some amici (friends)!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

As with any new city, it takes time to feel safe. I did not have any bad experiences while living in Florence, nor did I feel unsafe.

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)

Food is not the only thing to consider, remember that you are living in a city for your time abroad and not just visiting. You will at some point have to replace things like dish soap, toilet paper, or maybe even a light bulb, as in my case. I would say it is a bit difficult to live on $200 per week, but completely doable if you budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $300 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Italians love to eat, there are so many mercados and fornos available that eating well for little should not be a problem. Shopping at the Mercado Centrale, the main market in Florence, can help to save you a lot of money you would otherwise spend daily at restaurants and cafes. When the weekend comes, treat yourself and pick a place to mangiare (eat)!

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?
  • School hours
  • Close proximity to my apartment
  • All the great people at SRISA
* What could be improved?
  • Internet connection
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Having $800-$1000 monthly will help you to live comfortably while there and will not eat into your weekly budget. Take flat shoes/boots!

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!