The most memorable, unreal, unforgettable time of my life thus far! Past Review
By A student (Communications, Fordham University) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 04/24/2013 with
Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It is hard to even express what I gained and learned from my experience abroad as it was the most worthwhile experience of my life thus far. I learned so much about Italian culture and living and truly became a resident of Florence and lived like a true Italian. I learned that I am capable of being independent and traveling around the world by myself and that I am capable of doing truly anything. My travels and time spent abroad truly opened my eyes and made me realize how much there is to see and do in the world. I will cherish each and every memory I made while abroad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
It is hard to live on a "budget" while abroad because you want to see and do everything. As this is not possible, really think about spending money before you do it and decide if it is really something or somewhere you want to see. Don't spend unnecessarily but enjoy yourself! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $400 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget yourself especially when it comes to planning trips which becomes very overwhelming very fast. Pick and choose the places you really want to see and research as much as you can before booking. Definitely use the local student travel companies to your advantage as they offer great prices and trips with guides. If you are able to though, don't fret too much about the money. You are only abroad once and if you are exposed to opportunities ti travel and see places, then book it and go! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 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? | Take as much of the language as you can before going abroad. I did not learn much new material in my Italian course abroad but I used what I already knew to get by. When abroad, speak the language as often as possible to everyone around you and take advantage of tutors or extra help at school. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Try to find out who from your home university is on your program or if you have any connections with other people that you can make before leaving. I knew noone and it was scary going into it, so knowing someone before hand and chatting on facebook would be a good idea. Also, pack light! I thought I needed everything and i brought everything and going home was a nightmare. You can always buy things abroad and you definitely will so leave room. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
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