The best experience of my entire life. Past Review

By Alyssa L (Retail, University of Wisconsin - Madison) - abroad from 01/06/2014 to 04/24/2014 with

Study Abroad at SRISA: Accredited Semester - Fine Arts, Liberal Arts and Design

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned how to take things slow and enjoy the little things in life. Family and friends are one of the most important things you have so spend time with them when you can. Live on the edge and do things outside your comfort zone.

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	Staff and faculty were amazing. They became our second family and were always willing to help us with anything we needed.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I was satisfied with the location and our apartment overall. However, it seems as though they just stuck three of us in an apartment that was meant for 2 people because we had not space for a living room, kitchen or dining area. Set up was terrible in that it was just like a big hallway with a kitchenette, a table and a sofa. We only had a mini fridge for all three of us which was problematic because we could not cook anything that had leftovers really because there was no space to keep them.
* Food:	AMAZING!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Huge culture shock upon arrival because of the language barrier, but after learning some italian and getting to know the city I could not have asked for a better program to join. Italy is the perfect place for someone who enjoys spending quality time with people and talking life at a more relaxed pace. Felt that I became very integrated with the local culture and found myself truly living the italian lifestyle.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Very safe, good location, be sure you don't find yourself alone at night walking home, be smart!
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

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)	If you cook at home during the week and are able to make yourself food to take to school it is much easier to live cheaply. Often I would eat a home during the week or take meals I made to school so then on the weekend I could go out to dinner since I had saved money all week by not.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Weeks I went grocery shopping it was much more, but I would estimate around 30-50 a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Don't go spending all your money right when you get there. It's easy to do because you want to go out to eat all the time, pop into bakeries for a pastry and cappuccino but in the end it all really does add up. Be sure to treat yourself once or twice a week, but grocery shopping definitely saves you money and the food quality is very good. Not typical american grocery store food.

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?	Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	I had 6 years of spanish experience, but not any italian
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?	Take italian, talk to your friends in italian because if you mess up it's no big deal. Use it when you're at restaurants, asking for directions, etc.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university?	Direct Enrollment

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?	Friends and Professors Italian Culture Florence
* What could be improved?	Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	It goes by extremely fast so take your time in the city you're studying in and get to know it very well instead of traveling. I didn't do too much outside travel from Florence or Italy in general but I am glad I didn't because I got to know Florence best I could before leaving.

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 Outright Urbanite A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Italian 1
Course Department:	Italian
Instructor:	Matilde Zampi
Instruction Language:	Italian and English
Comments:	She was an amazing teacher. Always helpful and there for questions. Kept the class fun and exposed us to Italian language as it is in real life, not just activity books.
Credit Transfer Issues: