Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The greatest choice I made in my entire life was going abroad. Past Review

By (University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa) - abroad from 01/23/2018 to 05/10/2018 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 that I love to travel and meet people. I was worried that I would be too overwhelmed and not thrive abroad, but I was wrong. I learned so much about myself and am so much more appreciative for what I have. Abroad was truly life changing and really opened my eyes to the bigger picture of life. I would do it over and over again in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

SAI was a great affiliate program and made me feel confident in traveling to a foreign country before and while I was in Italy. SAI helped me feel prepared and was a helping hand during my abroad experience.

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start saving early and budget wisely so you aren't stressed and can enjoy yourself to the fullest abroad.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 3
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Learn common words to get around easily.

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?
  • The activities it offered
  • How they made sure I felt safe
  • The communication
* What could be improved?
  • I felt that they could improve dropping the kids off at their apartment. I was overwhelmed being dropped off alone in a foreign country.
  • Maybe meeting your roommates sooner
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Places to eat around Florence

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.