Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Worthwhile February 02, 2021

By (Marywood University) - abroad from 01/07/2019 to 04/19/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a great deal of knowledge from this experience. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

I enjoyed studying art in Florence. It was excellent to be able to see historical locations, buildings, and works of art. I also appreciate being able to experience the culture of another country.

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? $100

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the 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? one college level course
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • I liked being able to live in another country.
  • I enjoyed being educated on art, art history, the history of Florence.
  • I enjoyed working in new art mediums, like sculpture.
* What could be improved?
  • Students could be provided with more information on Italian culture.
  • There could be more discussions on culture shock.
  • There could be more of a focus on the language.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how difficult it would be to live in another country for the first time, and I wish I knew how to cope with this difficulty better.

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 Adventurer
The 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.