The experience was astronomical. Past Review
By Elissa Torres (Syracuse University) - abroad from 01/05/2019 to 05/08/2019 with
Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence
My mental health improved a lot with the environment and culture. I felt more motivated to go out. I had a routine to look forward to everyday so I loved every moment.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The professors in the Florence center were amazing. They kept the class engaged in lectures and class trips. A special kudos to the Design professors. They were super accommodating and resourceful. My work ethic improved significantly after going abroad because of the change in environment. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I think the administration did a great job in advising students. Towards the end of the program I had a theft accident and Melanie Honour went out of her way to help me communicate with my family back in the states and provided a lot of mental support. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I love my host parents. They were my second family. My host parents were very caring and always made sure that my roommate and I were cared for. We developed a close relationship with our host parents and bonded a lot outside of home. |
| * Food: |
I did not miss McDonalds when I was in Florence. Food is amazing. I might of gained a few pounds because of the gelato but that's okay. There are so many options and if you do miss food from back home, there are options. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Mid-way through the program I considered myself to be a Florentine local. If you want to get the most out of your experience, put the effort in speaking the language of the culture and trying new things. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Healthcare needed a bit more help. If you need a prescription or even a note, it was a hassle just to get it and it's expensive. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe but I would be mindful of walking alone at night in a foreign country. Always travel with at least one friend and keep your location on and devices tucked in. People will steal. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I love Florence. I want to go back badly but I would choose another country to gain a different experience. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Breakfast and lunch = 10 euro so around 15-20 dollars a day. I didnt have to worry about dinner which was good but I did spend more on the weekends. If I went out for food and drinks I paid around 20-30 dollars. Not bad. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | SAVE UP. Buy groceries and eat at home. Clothes are more expensive abroad. Learn about what each country specializes in so you can save up on those items. For example Italy specializes in leather and fragrance so I made sure to save up for those items. |
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? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 1 |
| 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? | Practice at home and everywhere you go. Talk to the locals. Florence offers an after school study session with the local university students. Take advantage. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 0 |
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? | Just have fun. |
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. |
