Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Changing Experience February 18, 2021

By (College of Charleston) - abroad from 01/03/2013 to 05/01/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was the best thing I did in college, and I am now a full time artist because of the skills and confidence I gain from SACI.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I absolutely loved the program at SACI. I was very encouraged by the professors to explore my personal art style while still learning the techniques I needed to express myself well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was always kind and helpful. I felt very safe and supported.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a great apartment and lovely roommates.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved all the additional events SACI hosted to help us integrate with the culture... cooking classes, day trips, art walks etc.

* 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 entered SACI with a low self esteem of my artistic abilities and left feeling confident... not because my abilities changed all that much, but the relationships built with my professors and their encouragement to me absolutely changed the trajectory of my life.

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)

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

We were very encouraged in Italian class and outside of class 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? none
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?
  • Professors
  • Living in Florence
  • The school
* What could be improved?
  • The classrooms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The weather would be cold and dreary - so bring warm clothes! And at the grocery store you have to weigh your own produce before you get to the cash register.

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.