Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Time of My Life Past Review

By (Lehigh University) - abroad from 01/28/2019 to 05/01/2019 with

Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Going abroad provided me so independence and also a lot of personal growth. Because I was alone I became a lot more confident in my decision making and that I could do things on my own. My abroad experience was very worthwhile. Not only did I experience this personal growth, but I also was able to explore beautiful and historic European cities.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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

I loved the classes I took and the overall Florentine experience. One hesitation I had was the fact that I did not go to Syracuse. For the most part, everyone I met was very nice and friendly, but you could also tell they were not super open to meeting new people and hanging out with them. If I could do it all over again, I would still chose this program, but it is one downside I did not think about when choosing programs.

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? $300 (food and travel)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you plan on traveling to other places, definitely plan ahead as much as possible. Last minute tickets definitely add up.

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

My host family asked if my roommate and I were interested speaking more Italian while at home, but since neither of us had taken the language prior we said no. Other than that I really felt no other encouragement to use the language outside of my Italian class.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had not taken an Italian course previously.
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? If you want to learn definitely ask your host family to make it part of your routine, even if it just words here or there. Also, try to new phrases/sentences when you're out! People might chuckle because they know you're new at it, but it helps you get better.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host Family
  • Class subjects (also no classes on Friday)
* What could be improved?
  • Language Immersion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I probably should I have realized, but I wish I knew what a large percentage of students that go on this program are from Syracuse University.

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.