Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Beautiful, but touristy. Past Review

By (Art History, Criticism and Conservation., Barnard College) - abroad from 09/09/2012 to 12/18/2012 with

Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about how I relate to an International sense of America and how I fit into that conversation. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I lived in an apartment, so a lot. Probably 200 euros a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy staple foods and find the cheap panini shops.

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? 2 years - Intermediate II
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? Make Italian friends!

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?
  • My studio art classes
  • The vintage feel of Florence
  • The SUF campus
* What could be improved?
  • More integration into Italian culture
  • More classes taught in Italian
  • Apartments with mixed Italian and American students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that my roommates did not speak any Italian and would not be willing to speak in the apartment. I didn't improve my language skills.

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.