Surprised how much I miss it January 26, 2021
By A student (Marywood University) - abroad from 09/01/2019 to 12/23/2019 with
Studio Arts College International (SACI): Florence - SACI in Florence
I gained experience in city life and public transit
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Quite rigorous art program they have high standards while also having a ton of fun together. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was always someone at the school for help getting around the city or planning trips. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Lived in a residential apartment which was a great immersive experience |
| * Food: |
They don’t have on campus food but you get to go out and eat local or cook for yourself |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We are in the middle of everything in Florence. Most classes made sure to go out and explore the beauty. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Great art program with extremely great setup for a foreign country trip |
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? | 200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You don’t need to buy everything that catches your eye at the markets, Florence can be a tourist trap. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
They gave us a good basis for conversational and restaurant language |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Always initiate a conversation in the native tongue, even if you know they speak english |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Florence is a tourist trap, but you can still have a great localized experience |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
