Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Florence you have my heart December 19, 2022

By (International Studies, Muhlenberg College) - abroad from 01/19/2022 to 05/05/2022 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely became more independent and learned to step outside of my comfort zone more.

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.

I definitely enjoyed the immersive hands on learning I got at FUA.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

LOVED the trips and events they organized. FUA staff were lovely and very helpful during my time abroad

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great housing in the best part of Florence. Maintenance requests were handled very quickly

* Food:

I was in the food capital of the world!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like we could have met more people from Florence our age.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have an issue.

* Safety:

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

I loved Florence. I want to live there one day

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? under 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook at home! There are also plenty of student friendly street food/ eating options that I found.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Italian
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Start ordering coffee and food in Italian, dont be embarassed, Italians appreciate the effort!

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?
  • City and how lively it was
  • the art and history
  • food
* What could be improved?
  • safety, but that is a problem in Italy in general
  • more cultural immersion with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring a fanny pack! Learn some Italian before you go.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.