I'll Be Back Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had an amazing educational experience while abroad. The professors were really understanding in knowing that student's want to travel so they don't assign a lot of homework. Despite not having a lot of work, I did learn a lot in my classes and enjoyed the opportunity to learn about things that I would have never had the opportunity to learn.

On-site administration of your program

SAI made my study abroad experience incredible. They were extremely helpful and an amazing resource while I was there. I would go in all the time just to talk or even get recommendations. They were so friendly and welcoming, willing to do so much for you. They also planned incredible trips and activities for us that I would never have done otherwise like pizza making, book making, and tours of the city. I cannot sing enough praises for the SAI.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living accommodations were surreal. I lived in an apartment with four other girls in the center of the city. It was relatively large, had a washer, and was furnished. I never felt like I was too crowded or small. It was perfect for us.

Italy has some of the best food in the world so it's hard to go wrong. You could literally walk into almost any restaurant and find out of this world food. I think the small whole in the wall places were the best and most authentic. The gelato was insane too, which I had almost every day. I also cooked at the my apartment too to and it was easy because the produce stands had really fresh food and we had a grocery store across the street from our house.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like I definitely integrated some aspects of Italian culture into my lifestyle, but still kept some American qualities as well. For example, we would eat later, at around 8, which was normal for Italians, and we would go buy fresh food everyday which was also typical. However, I didn't know the language prior to coming and I did learn a little while I was there, just enough to ask for basic things. Luckily, knowing Italian isn't a necessity so you can definitely get by without having to know it, but it was one of the biggest ways I didn't feel connected to their culture while I was there.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any health related issues but my roommate had to go to the doctor. One of the SAI staff members went along with her to translate and make her feel more comfortable. She said that the doctors were very nice.

I never felt unsafe once! I did take precautions like keeping a hand on my purse, not going out by myself late at night, and not making myself a target. However, Italy does have a reputation for petty crime, specifically thievery. I was never a victim of this, but I do know of some people who were. My advice is to just be aware of your surroundings at all times and don't look like a target.

SAI was amazing and extremely helpful with whatever I needed. They prioritized my needs.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It was definitely manageable to budget, which some of my friends did. For me, I saved a lot of money before I went so I wouldn't have to do that necessarily, but it's definitely possible

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans

• great resource
• fun activities
• friendly staff

• more time

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer