A great experience in Tuscany Past Review
By Kevin G (Economics., SUNY - Binghamton) for
SAI Study Abroad: Florence - Florence University of the Arts (FUA)
I would not trade my experience for anything in the world. I really enjoyed the classes that I took and well as the people that I met. I have learned a lot about myself and about new cultures. The world is a big place and there is a lot going on. Europe is a place that everyone should (given the chance) visit. I am very glad I went.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned so much during my time abroad, much of which I could not have learned anywhere else. It was a great experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was helpful almost every time we needed them. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Compared to everyone else in our program, our apartment was very small. There was not much 'living' area, but the landlord was exceptional. The apartment was also situated in a local part of the city, which was a great experience. <br /><br /> It was nice living in a local area, but the apartment was small and freezing, the heat barely worked. |
| * Food: |
The food was great in Italy. We spent most of the time cooking our own meals, wear we got to test many Italian recipes. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was able to go visit a vineyard in Tuscany. That was a unbelievable experience. I was also able to visit a cheese making facility. I got to make cheese myself as well as enjoy a tasting of their best cheese. These were two experiences I wouldn't trade for anything else. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I was sick a couple of times, and when I went to the doctor they were able to address the issues. I did not have to pay for any of the services I received, no co-pay or anything out of pocket (except for medicines) |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I probably spent on average $100-$150 a week on food and pleasure. Florence was a relatively expensive city, and I had a very tight budget. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make sure you leave yourself plenty of money to travel around Europe, but also leave yourself enough money to enjoy your host city. Make sure to manage your money well! |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I never knew anything of Italian before I went abroad, I now have a pretty decent understanding of it. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take classes that you really think you will enjoy. Also be prepared to walk a lot! |
