Syracuse University in Florence: The Perfect Study Abroad Experience Past Review

By (Comparative Literature - French, Latin, Barnard College) for

Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence

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

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.

I absolutely loved the Syracuse University in Florence Program. It is incredibly well-established (I would argue most established in Florence) and provided me with a comprehensive and substantial study abroad experience. I would happily recommend it to anyone wishing to have the best time abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program excelled in almost every single respect: my academics, homestay, student life office, course selection, travel opportunities, information services, food, location was ALL perfect. I am extremely lucky. The only problem? The printing system was rather convoluted, as you had to buy a printing card and pay for all of your prints.

* 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? 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? If I was traveling - $400. If I was not traveling - $100.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy a EuroRail pass - it's not worth it. Try and book flights as far ahead of time as you can, as it's cheaper.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Beginner I and II Italian
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Your study abroad experience can only be what YOU make it. So, make it great! You have no one else to blame for a bad time.