Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing study abroad experience in Florence Italy! Past Review

By (HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS., University of Florida) - abroad from 05/12/2013 to 06/10/2013 with

University of South Florida: Florence - Florence University of the Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot in my time abroad. I learned the most about Italian culture and how it was different than American culture. I am definitely very grateful for things I have access to in America that I never really thought about before studying abroad. I also learned a lot about myself and that I like to try new things and venture out on my own.

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.

* 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

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)

I did a lot of traveling while studying abroad so my expenses were more than the budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? No idea
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Watch the exchange rates. When booking additional trips look at local agencies that can help or that have group trips.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? None
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 to use it as much as possible. Even if locals in your host city don't understand you they will admire you for trying to learn their language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The staff at FUA was amazing!
  • I loved living in a local Italian apartment.
  • The food was amazing!
* What could be improved?
  • The trips included in the program could be improved. We were always running late or off schedule.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack lightly! It's hard traveling abroad alone with more than one suitcase.

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.