Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Very special and important time in my education January 26, 2021

By (University of Southern California) - abroad from 08/25/2014 to 12/19/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I spent a lot of time focused on my studio art classes (photography and sculpture in particular) and I think they were absolutely formative to my creative work. It was very very worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took courses with Romeo DiLoreto (photography), Dario (sculpture, I'm so sorry I forgot his last name!) Tina Fallani (film history), and Dejan Atanackovic (digital media/installation) and I absolutely loved all of them. If you must take one class PLEASE take Romeo's photography class. He is incredible!! I am an animator, nothing to do with photography, and his class was by far the best and most helpful art class I've ever had. The half a star less was because I had a required core animation class there that was taught by a one-off grad student teacher from my school who was really just a terrible teacher. I won't name him because I don't think he still teaches there.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great! They were very helpful. I don't remember much specifics though.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was amazing. My roommates and I had a fourth floor apartment right by the Duomo with an amazing view. I really think it's the nicest apartment I've ever had. The only downsides were no dryer and walking up and down all those stairs (no elevator) but it was VERY worth it.

* Food:

I don't think SACI provided any food, but the food in Florence is great! Just can be expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think this was harder because Florence has such a huge population of American study abroad students (and with all the classes I took I had so little time). They did make an effort to pair people up with local Italian young people that we could practice Italian with, and I made friends with a couple of them, which was fun. But most of this I think is up to the students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not personally have any health needs during the program so this is an uninformed response

* Safety:

Florence is relatively safe but I and many of my classmates experienced sexual harassment and lewd behavior (flashing, groping, yelling, etc.) while in public. The buddy system and situational awareness are always useful. Also while traveling on weekends and such!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Frankly I had no other option given my major's requirements! But that's ok with me.

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)

I had a scholarship at my home university that paid me the difference in tuition when I went to SACI, so my experience is by no means universal, but I think I lived on about $400-500 a month not counting rent. I was frugal, didn't travel much and didn't go out to eat very often, so it was ok.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? To be honest I don't. Enjoy it!!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • ROMEO DILORETO
* What could be improved?
  • Having other students than just Americans would be nice!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you're dating someone before this... just... just break up with them and focus on enjoying your time abroad and learning. It flies by so fast!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!