Rigorous painting classes, just what I wanted Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 01/08/2012 to 04/26/2012 with

Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes- I learned to be more independent and find my way around unknown territory. I learned to solve problems on my own in unfamiliar situations. Also, my artistic skills improved.

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.

* 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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? cook food at home if possible, instead of eating out

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? Intermediate
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? Italian IV (language and literature)
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? Talk to cab drivers, waiters, etc. as much as possible

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?
  • Lots of studio art classes
  • Living in an apartment
  • Travelling to other places in Italy
* What could be improved?
  • It was a little expensive
  • Maybe less class time per week (almost 3x as much as Fordham)
  • More resources for homesickness
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been forced to practice my italian more.