Firenze (Florence, Italy): 4 months that I will never forget! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics at SACI are ok. I was used to very rigorous courses in high school as well as college, so I found the classes to be pretty easy as far as the workload and grading system goes. If you are a very independent and self-driven person then you will get a lot out of the classes, but if you skate by with little effort then you will not get much out of the classes. Your view on the academics will vary depending on the classes and teachers you choose. Overall, the studio classes at SACI were easy and I felt I could've handled a tougher workload.

On-site administration of your program

High Point University's study abroad office is well established and the study abroad advisor is very knowledgeable about all the programs that HPU offers. If you study abroad through HPU you will be VERY well prepared to live for a few months in a foreign country. You first need to attend an information session about studying abroad and after then you receive a checklist and booklet to help you prepare for your study abroad experience.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location of SACI apartments vary but are all within the city center. My apartment was located close to the Santa Maria Novella train station which was very convenient. Other than that, my apartment was pretty small (for four people living there) and really plain compared to most other SACI student's apartments. Every student pays the same amount of money for a double room in housing, so I was very disappointed that my housing was much less substantial compared to others. Although every apartment in Florence is different in its own way, SACI needs to improve on making the apartments more similar in size. SACI apartments are within 15 minutes walking distance to classes (sounds like a hike but the walk to/from classes was really pleasant). All SACI apartments come with pots/pans/dishes/sheets. You are extremely lucky if your apartment comes with a microwave and/or dishwasher, mine didn't and I lived through it, by not having a microwave I actually learned how to cook and realized I was really good at cooking! Washing machine is small and your dryer is a clothesline (I dealt with this fine, also). SACI gives you a housing survey to fill out so that they can match you up with roommates similar to you, but be REALLY specific with this, because they don't always give good matchups. If you are a really clean person, and are not a morning person, specify this.

I have Celiac Disease (basically I can't eat gluten or wheat), and you'd think it's impossible to find things to eat in the "Land of Pasta", but this couldn't be further from the truth. Florence is a wheat-free paradise! A lot of restaurants offer wheat-free options/menus and if you say "Sono celiaca", then 99% of Italians know what you can/cannot eat. There are small grocery stores in the city center, and it is only a short bus ride to get out to the bigger supermarkets. Highly recommend the "Mercato Centrale" for your fresh vegetables, fruits, and cheeses. SACI does NOT have a meal plan, so my home college reimbursed me for the cost of food over there. Not having a meal plan at SACI was not an issue whatsoever. It encourages students to go out and try Italian cuisine, and also buy their own food and learn how to cook their own meals. Eat lots of gelato while you are there!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

SACI is a small program (about 100 students in my semester abroad) so it is very closeknit. Most of the students all traveled to Venice one weekend for Carnevale and had a blast. SACI offers free field trips if you take certain art history courses, and other field trips (some are free and some cost money). Definitely take advantage of the free field trips, Helen Watterson is a genius and you will learn so much. Being in a foreign country can be overwhelming but if you are outgoing then you will meet a lot of people in the program and make great friends whom you will have unforgettable experiences with (especially traveling around Italy and Europe!).

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare is pricey but necessary while in a foreign country. TB test is a required vaccination for studying abroad, and I would advise the flu shot.

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

I practiced Italian with my fellow study abroad friends and with some local Italians that I met. The Florence city center is somewhat touristy so you could get by with speaking English if you wanted to, but they all DEFINITELY appreciate it when you speak in Italian, or at least try to! SACI gives you opportunities to interact with local Italians through various volunteer opportunities, but it's up to you how much effort you make to learn the language. If you immerse yourself in an Italian lifestyle then it's very easy to pick up on the language. If you don't take advantage of SACI's opportunities, then you may come back to the US having not learned much Italian.

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans