The Syracuse Internship program is the best aspect of the program. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes themselves were not very demanding, and the work load was not too bad. The professors, however, were 100% enthusiastic about their subject matters and the the content of the classes were very interesting. I would especially recommend any of the Art History classes, as they involve many field trips and are a really unique way to learn about Art and Italy!

On-site administration of your program

The program had an incredibly helpful student services sector, but the overall administration had some issues. Mostly just issues of efficiency, an example stated above.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment with an older couple and another student near Santa Croce. They were absolutely wonderful. The other student and I each had our own room. <br /><br /> My host family was my main source of language immersion. My host family was incredibly warm and welcoming, I was treated as a member of the family. I got lucky and had a family that lived equidistantly from the center of town and from campus.

I was in Italy! My host mother was an amazing cook and there was amazing food all around.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The field trips were great, and Florence always has so much to do.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Florence is a very safe city, and Syracuse has a doctor on campus 3 days a week.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I was afraid to do the Option 3 program, which consisted of taking 1 or 2 classes at the University of Florence in Italian. I did not think that my Italian would be sufficient enough. I found, however, that I probably would have gotten by and I really should have taken classes at the university to bring my language skills to the next level. Florence is a difficult city in which to learn Italian because there are thousands of American students in a small city. Everyone, therefore, speaks English and will assume that you 1. do not speak Italian 2. do not want to speak Italian. It is difficult to force yourself and those you are interacting with to speak Italian. Staying in a homestay was essential in keeping up my language skills, as I spoke exclusively in Italian with my host family. If someone were really serious about learning Italian, however, I would suggest doing the Option 3 program or doing a program in Bologna instead of Florence. I adore Florence and I am very glad I went there, but it is a hard place in which to learn Italian.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family
• International Students

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• Local Students