Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study Abroad in Florence! Past Review

By (Saint Mary's College of California) - abroad from 01/28/2015 to 05/16/2015 with

SAI Study Abroad: Florence - Florence University of the Arts (FUA)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about traveling on my own and with others. I really tried to immerse myself in the different cultures and always try new things. Studying abroad was one of the best things I have ever done and it was extremely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were structured differently than my home university which in some cases was easier and in others it was more challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My advisor was amazing in helping my plan out my classes and pick the right program. She also visited us abroad and was very helpful if I had any questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had the best roommates and a great apartment. The heater didn't work all the time but we made the best of it.

* Food:

How could you have bad food in Italy?! Everything was amazing both when we went out to eat and made food at home.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish I spoke more Italian before going abroad because it would have been nice to speak to Italians in their native language not just English.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had strep throat while abroad and the doctor my program sent me to was very helpful and made sure I got the right medication.

* Safety:

Florence is a very safe city but with that said it is a big city. I never had a huge safety incident but I think it's most important just to travel in a group and be aware of your surroundings.

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? 250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan out a budget but also try to do as much as you can. You can save money and also have a great time.

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?
  • Outside activities offered
  • Helpfulness
* What could be improved?
  • More trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Travel alone sometimes. It is great to travel with other people but it is also great to travel by yourself.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.