Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Italy has the most beautiful art, landscapes, and food! Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 06/08/2013 to 07/09/2013 with

KIIS: Italy - Experience Italy, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had a much more enriching personal experience rather than academic experience. The experiences you encounter when travelling abroad are priceless.

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.

My overall educational experience was not very satisfying. The courses were not very rigorous, and I don't not feel stimulated intellectually.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Florence is a beautiful city to learn and live in!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did not feel safe in the area that the Hotel Patrizia is located in. The neighborhood seemed pretty sketchy. I didn't find the Hotel Patrizia very safe itself. There is only one key to each room, and if you are out of the room you leave it on a hook at the reception desk - which is fine, but the reception desk was rarely manned, especially at night. The accommodations were extremely modest, but I was more concerned about my safety. The hotel staff was not very friendly either, and I definitely did not feel welcome as a guest. We stayed at the hotel patrizia for three weeks. The wifi was very unstable, which made it difficult to do homework and to communicate with loved ones at home. The final week we stayed at the Litus Hostel in Ostia. This hostel was a huge upgrade from the Hotel Patrizia. The hostel had a welcoming atmosphere, nice rooms, and a nice continental breakfast.

* Food:

Be prepared to bring plenty of money for food - it's worth every euro!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I integrated into the culture in Florence very well. Overall, the locals were friendly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Be prepared for cat-calling and be on the lookout for pick-pockets! You can never be too cautious, especially in cases where you are handling man or in locations that are very crowded.

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? $150

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? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Nice professors
* What could be improved?
  • quality of courses
  • learning material outside of class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't expect to learn much from your classes.

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!