Florence, Italy--it's what you make of it Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

SACI didn't seem to have it together. The workload, amount of time spent in the class and expectations were inconsistent. One of my professors could care less what the students did during class time and spent most of the time talking in Italian to another employee for hours of class time. My other professor was laid back, but then their expectations didn't match with their attitude in class. One of the professors knowingly left a couple students in another city on a field trip because they wanted to 'stick to the schedule.' When we all went on the bus to go to another city that was miles away they refused to wait. When we got to the next location the students that were left behind called the professors cell phone. The teacher then proceeded to have the entire phone conversation over our earpiece speakers that the teacher used for lectures--every student heard word for word the phone conversation. The professor was completely insensitive and inappropriate when speaking to the rightfully panicked stranded students. The only thing I liked about my experience studying abroad was the country, Italy, and the experiences I made in my own time while there. I did not like SACI. I feel like SACI tricked me--it was nothing what they made it seem like. The facilities, studios, labs/computers were awful. The housing and SACI's response time/services was also bad. It took them days/weeks to fix any issues with the apartments. The housing was dirty and poorly furnished--not equipped with most basics you need--pots/pans/etc. The faculty and people in the main office were rude and impersonal. When I went to the main office with concerns they were extremely rude and insensitive. The only people that I genuinely liked at SACI were the locals that worked at the front desk. They were always helpful and patient. Overall, I would not recommend this school.

On-site administration of your program

everything seemed scattered/unorganized

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing and SACI's response time/services was also bad. It took them days/weeks to fix any issues with the apartments. The housing was dirty and poorly furnished--not equipped with most basics you need--pots/pans/etc.

The food, markets, restaurants were all great in Italy. Cook a lot if you have a tight budget. You can save a lot of money cooking at home.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

no

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

SACI didn't address safety/health--but I never felt threatened or unsafe in Italy. If you stay on well-lit main roads at night and are always with another student you'll be fine. Just be smart.

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

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans

• being in Italy

• SACI