My experience was an incredible whirlwind. Past Review

By A student (Psychology/ Visual Arts, Fordham University) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 04/24/2013 with

Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence, Summer

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

I learned to not be afraid to take risks (like going to a strange country, or speaking a foreign language). I also learned to appreciate everything that I have. It was completely worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

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?	My host mom was my favorite part of my abroad experience. She cooked huge traditional italian meals every night and made me feel like one of her own daughters.
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	My host mom did not speak a work of English so I felt more integrated into the culture than I would have if I lived in an apartment with other americans.
* 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)	Traveling, transportation, food etc. is very expensive, but worth it.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Budget an amount to spend for each weekend you travel.

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?	Exit Level 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?	Don't be afraid to speak!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans Host Family
* 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 host mom/ her food Traveling ART!
* What could be improved?	Student life office Orientation integration Class orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I know now how much abroad was a once in a life-time experience and I wish I took more advantage of my host mom to develop my skills and learn more about her life. However, I have no regrets while abroad.

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:	Intermediate Painting
Course Department:	Studio
Instructor:	Kristen Stromberg
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This class was very challenging, but very rewarding. I had never been confident in painting a self-portrait. However, Kristen had a very structured teaching style, which helped my painting techniques and style.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Intermediate Drawing
Course Department:	Studio Arts
Instructor:	Marco Fallani
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Marco is an amazing teacher. The class at a very calm and relaxing feel to it, which helped me to better work on my drawing skills of the human figure.
Credit Transfer Issues: