Don't Be Afraid! Past Review

By (Virginia Commonwealth University / VCU) - abroad from 05/18/2016 to 07/20/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worth it. I had such an incredible experience. Homesickness is always an element, but once you overcome it you really have an experience that makes you grow in ways you didn't think were possible.

Review Photos

SRISA: Summer and Short-Term Sessions in Florence Photo SRISA: Summer and Short-Term Sessions in Florence Photo

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.

All academics are held at a pretty high standard. Although you're out and about exploring florence and other places, they still challenge you and make sure you're learning all that you can within the time that you're there!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It's always a challenge adjusting to a place so foreign to your own, but they did their absolute best to make sure you felt safe and comfortable!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lots of stairs, but well worth it!

* Food:

Always trying new foods. The Kebabs are the real hidden treasures.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You do feel like you get to be a part of the culture... but they always know you're American.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Pharmacies are a great help!

* Safety:

Just don't put yourself in any sketchy situations! 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)

1

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably close to +150 on food per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat out only on the weekends! Save money and eat in when you can. You won't miss out too much!

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
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? Don't be afraid to try it out!

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
  • International Students
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?
  • The Art
  • Roommates
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Expenses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I don't think knowing anything different would have changed my experience. There's always going to be a learning curve.

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.