I don't even know man. You shouldn't summarize this experience. Past Review

By Carl S (Studio Art Drawing/Painting, Texas Tech) for

Studio Arts College International (SACI): Florence - SACI in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I had more magical moments and lived more of my live in the four months than most of my life. Not just the time in Florence mind you, but the opportunity to travel to many countries and meet incredibly diverse people, real, beautiful people. The most exciting time of my life. Period. With more to come.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The workload is very light. I however enjoyed this aspect and the freedom it allowed. It seemed as though everyone was in agreement that many if not most of us students had not had an overseas experience. I could not bring myself to spend the money and time I did cooped up in a studio constantly trying to make work out of my environment. For that I am grateful and it gave me the time to have some of the most memorable and exciting moments of my life.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The administration overall were quite compatible. Since the school was so small, it was easy to get around things and accomplish things that wouldn't probably go at my home school. Front desk is wonderful. Sam is the man to talk to.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Pretty much my favorite aspect about the entire experience. LOVED. MY. ROOMMATES. I know I am lucky for the most part to this regard, but having an awesome apartment with people you love can't be beat. Friendships that will last a long time for sure.
* Food:	Holy Mother of God. BEST FOOD OF MY LIFE. We cooked alot which was wonderful as well. Eat bolitos on the street. Eat at Trattoria Mario's. Eat as much as you can: YOU DON'T HAVE THIS AT HOME. enough said.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The most exciting time of my life.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Like I said before, this isn't Burma. I felt safer walking the streets than many places back home. Had a sinus infection and the pharmacist took care of it without prescription.
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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	TOO MUCH.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Bring more than you think. The euro is evil. It will eat your bank account. Any major city or tourist spot in Europe is very expensive.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	There was slight encouragement, but nothing necessary. In fact one not need to be proficient to get around. Its all up to you how much you want to learn from a place.

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	If you like to eat, drink and be merry, then this a good chance.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Advanced Painting
Course Department:
Instructor:	Lorenzo Pezzatini
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Lorenzo is now one of my favorite people on this Earth and gave me an interesting study of my own nature and environment back home. God bless that man.
Credit Transfer Issues: