Be adventurous, it will be worth it in the end Past Review
By Mary (Indiana University of Pennsylvania / IUP) - abroad from 09/01/2015 to 12/19/2015 with
SAI Study Abroad: Florence - Florence University of the Arts (FUA)
I learned to be more independent, adventurous and to enjoy every last second of each day. The days went quick while I was abroad and I did not realize it until those four months flew by and it was already time to come home.
Review Photos
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. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration on-site were amazing! They were always there to help in any way that they could. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The location of my apartment could not of been any more perfect. It was close to the building where classes were held, many restaurants and there was a grocery store right around the corner! |
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The healthcare that I had was wonderful. It was a little different then what we are used to in the United States. When I needed to see the doctor, I called the number that was given to me and she came to my apartment. She was able to diagnose me right in the apartment and gave me what I needed. It was easy and extremely helpful. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe during my whole study abroad experience. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program was great. They were not only helpful but friendly and made my experience that much more for me to remember. They were a big part of my time abroad and I thank them for everything! |
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) |
The easiest way to survive abroad when it comes to money is to set yourself a budget for the week and stick to it. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $100-$150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eating out at a restaurant is go get expensive and old very fast. Go to the markets or grocery store to pick up items for lunch or to make dinner with. I enjoyed cooking a homemade Italy meal while in Italy. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The best memories that I have about being abroad were unexpected. I thought that while I was traveling, Paris was going to be my favorite place, other then my home city of Florence. I was wrong, the unexpected trip that i decided to take to Belgium ended up being the best trip I took. Being adventurous is the best thing for you while being abroad. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
