Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

La Bella Vita- Florence Past Review

By (International and Intercultural Communication., Trinity University) - abroad from 09/03/2013 to 12/17/2013 with

Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my sense of direction, street smarts, and got out of my comfort zone. I learned about another culture- and realized things that I liked better and missed about America. I became a more confident and independent individual, and met many new friends during my travels.

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.

There were a lot of interesting courses and professors. The school led field trips around Italy were fascinating and enriching. Overall the program seemed organized. My favorite class was Romans & Etruscans where we saw 2,000 year old Etruscan tombs and traveled to Rome.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program overall was pretty organized. Some administrators were great while others could be much friendlier and care about the students more.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed living in a homestay, although it can be challenging at times.

* Food:

The food was fantastic. If you stay in a home stay, your host family will cook your dinners for you 5 times a week.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Staying in a home stay helped me be enriched in Italian culture. However, Florence is a very touristy city and many nightclubs are crowded with Americans. It can be hard to meet locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was a health and wellness center and a doctor that came in a few times a week.

* Safety:

If you are street smart Florence is a safe city. However like in any city around the world you have to be careful- especially with robbery, pickpocketing. Don't walk home alone. (This is the same advice for any other city.)

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)

Paying with Euros can get expensive, Florence is a touristy city so prices at restaurants will be higher than a college town. However it is a lot cheaper than going to the UK and spending pounds.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50- 100 Euro, more if I traveled on the weekend
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy your lunch at the grocery store and make a lunch, keep track of your spending, keep in mind the Euro/Dollar conversion and how much it costs to withdraw at the ATM, don't buy overpriced drinks, use budget airlines such as Ryaniar and EasyJet.

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

You are forced to speak in your homestay.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? Spanish 4
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? Try and speak to your host family in Italian. If they keep switching to English, ask them not to. Watch TV and film in Italian.

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?
  • Intellectual Field Trips
  • Enriching Classes
  • Resources and Activities
* What could be improved?
  • Friendliness of some Staff
  • Friendliness of some cliquey students (many knew each other alreadly from their East Coast schools)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That study abroad isn't always fun and easy. Some of it is challenging, and maybe you will get homesick. But overall the experience will be worth it. I'm glad I did it, and will remember the experience for the rest of my life.

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.