SAI Florence: An Italy to Remember Past Review
By Kassi S (Managerial & Organizational Communication, Point Loma Nazarene University) for
SAI Study Abroad: Florence - Florence University of the Arts (FUA)
YES! Growth in patience and relaxation--exactly what the Lord brought me over there for:)
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
University had high standards for attendance and workload (similar to Point Loma) so one must balance workload and travel experiences properly. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All services & support were in place but the Italian work nature is not the same as Americans so when 5 PM or the weekend rolled around, all services and support disappeared. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Amazing culinary school that is willing to work around dietary concerns |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Tuscan Archipelago cruise was amazing! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
City is as safe as you make it...it's as safe as living in any city is. Be aware of your surroundings, go out with friends after dark and don't bring random men home and you'll be fine! Beware of drinks...including ones from bars (program warned of this). No vaccines needed. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 to $100-cooked at home a lot |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you go out every night, you will go broke. It's not worth it! Travel is. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Practiced with professor, class, and exchange partner. Most Italians in Florence speak English but appreciate speaking in Italian. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Seek the road less traveled and the rich culture of wherever you are...it will truly change you! |
