Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing experience that I will never forget! January 31, 2023

By (Biochemistry, University of South Carolina - Columbia) - abroad from 08/21/2022 to 12/15/2022 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living in Florence for the past four months has provided me with immense cultural knowledge, within Italy and throughout Europe. I have greatly improved my Italian language skills as well as my ability to converse with individuals in other languages. I also developed a stronger sense of independence and self-sufficiency. I became able to advocate for myself in new situations such as when a train strike took place in Milan, and I was responsible for refunding my ticket and finding a way home. I also learned how to handle situations such as my roommate’s dental emergency where I was able to take charge in helping her to schedule a treatment.

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.

The courses were not too intensive, leaving sufficient time to connect with Italian culture as well as explore other countries. I enjoyed the experiential learning, such as garden visits and cooking classes.

* 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

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • SAI provided me with personalized resources and assistance with any issue I had. They frequently had recommendations on where to go and were prepared to meet any need that I had.
* What could be improved?
  • I think that overall SAI exceeded my expectations of a provider for study abroad. If I had to suggest an improvement, I would say to find more ways to connect with locals and build lasting friendships, since the school was only for study abroad students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to plan weekend trips further in advance and research more about where you want to go and how to find cheap flights.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.