Learning Outside of the Classroom Past Review

By (University of Mississippi) - abroad from 01/22/2018 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 can travel on my own and I discovered my passion for traveling and experiencing different cultures in to their fullest capacity.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned so much inside as well as outside the classroom! The teachers were very understanding of why you were there.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was in the heart of the city and very nice. SAI did a great job of finding perfect living accommodations for their students.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

SAI did a great job in helping us jump right into the culture with language and food classes as well as tours around the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I actually broke my foot while over there and there was an English speaking doctor that SAI recommended and he helped a lot with that process.

* Safety:

I felt very safe at all times, but you do have to be observant and cautious of your surroundings at all times.

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

SAI was so helpful and welcoming. I was so nervous living in another country by myself, but SAI made it so easy and was there every step of the way!

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? around $100/week

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

They gave many opportunities to learn the language and encouraged us to use it whenever we had the chance.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Their friendliness
  • Opportunities given
  • Living arrangements
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe costs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to worry so much going into it. Enjoy every moment!