SACI gave me the chance to live in Italy! February 10, 2021
By A student (DePaul University) - abroad from 09/01/2015 to 12/31/2015 with
Studio Arts College International (SACI): Florence - SACI in Florence
I gained a lot of knowledge of the Italian way of life. It was the most worthwhile trip I've ever taken.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were amazing - my favorite were the Italian, Serigraphy and Fresco painting classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living arrangements were beautiful. I stayed with 3 other people in a flat that was next door to most classes. |
| * Food: |
The food was one of the best parts of the trip! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Being in the Intermediate Italian Class, we were able to volunteer at a local Italian Grade school where we helped with English classes for 2nd graders. It was an amazing experience! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Provided Insurance for international health care. |
| * Safety: |
Safety in the city was high. There will always be pick pocketers and it's always important to be on high alert at all times when traveling. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
The biggest issue I ran into was wanting to do a lot of things and having to budget myself so that I had enough finances for the duration of the trip. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save up before you go! |
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 |
It was highly encouraged to participate in learning the Italian language. Of course, in Italy, one could get away with speaking English as many natives want to learn. To heighten your experience, it's important to learn the native language. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate Italian |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | Other people that were in the city - I wish there were more orientation with the classmates before the trip. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
