A life-changing experience in Florence Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

As a painting major, I enrolled in the studio arts program in Florence. There were painting and drawing classes at all levels and plenty of other studio arts courses to choose from, so I was able to stay on track as if I were taking classes on my home campus. I also needed to fulfill several art history course requirements, and these classes were incredible- many of them were spent on-site in museums, churches, and other historic buildings in Florence and surrounding areas. The instructors do take attendance seriously, and will lower your grade if you miss more than one class!

On-site administration of your program

In the main Syracuse Florence building, the Villa Rossa, you can find all of the administrative offices and the staff are there to help you. They were very responsive when I had questions or needed help.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living with a host family was slightly terrifying at first- my host mom didn't speak English and I didn't have any Italian language skills- but we built a great relationship and it was one of the best parts of my study abroad experience. Before you go abroad on this program, you complete a housing form so the staff can place you with the appropriate host family- my dietary restrictions, allergies, and health concerns were taken into consideration.

My host mom was an excellent cook- we had great meals every night, often they were three courses! We weren't allowed to cook for ourselves at the homestay (which was not a problem) but I was able to keep a few things in the refrigerator. There were several grocery stores and markets in my neighborhood. There were also plenty of cafes and restaurants/ panini shops around the Villa Rossa.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Italian language class is a requirement of this program, and I would have been lost without it. As part of our class, we would visit different places around the city, like markets and artists' workshops, to exercise our language skills. Living with an Italian family definitely allows you to experience their lifestyle firsthand.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Thankfully I didn't have any major health issues while I was abroad, but I did get sick at one point. There is an English-speaking doctor that visited the Villa Rossa regularly so I was able to make an appointment easily through the student life office. It was free of charge.

In general I felt very safe in Florence. There was a lot of catcalling and occasionally some men were quite handsy, which was unsettling, but I never felt like I was in danger. If I went out late, I would go with friends and always take a taxi home. I was never pickpocketed but it did happen to several friends.

The Syracuse Florence studio arts program fit my needs perfectly.

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

I didn't have lots of money when I went abroad, but I had an excellent time spending most of my weekends in Florence or traveling to other cities by train. Since the program fee included the homestay and 12 meals a week, I was responsible for dinner twice a week and all lunches. Food doesn't have to be too expensive.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

As part of class, we would visit different sites around the city to practice our language skills (markets, artists' workshops, stores, etc.). Also you will need the language skills to communicate with your host family and do everyday things like call a taxi.

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans

• The on-site classes
• Living in a beautiful city
• The host family experience

• I'm not sure!

The Academic or Linguist