Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., The University of Texas at Austin) for

Arcadia: Florence - Accademia Italiana Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was well worthwhile. I feel more independent and knowledegable about the world than ever before. I wish I could do it all again!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Texas at Ausitn
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.

The workload for my two clases (photography and history of Michelangelo) were very low, but I felt like I learned a lot during class. We only got a grade in history of Michelangelo for our midterm. Teaching methods were a lot less structured, which was a bit frustrating coming from a school where the syllabus for a course is basically the bible for the class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful, always sent back prompt answers to my questions. I always felt like I knew what was due and when it was due. Very organized. Prepared me well for my trip.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Huge apartment, great location. Definitely a lot better than I expected. <br /><br /> Very safe neighborhood, close to everything I needed access to, nice & big apartment. Didn't need to buy any houseware, it was all there when we arrived.

* Food:

I was in Italy! It was all incredible.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Bars & clubs were great, just keep your belongings close since pick pockets were common.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe. The university only talked about our health at orientation.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just that it is going to be incredibly expensive if you really take advantage of the opportunity you have (i.e. traveling) but it is well worth it.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Someone who likes to eat & drink, travel (since you are in the middle of many destinations), have fun, learn about another culture, likes art, likes to be challenged.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

History of Michelangelo
Course Department: ARH 329Q
Instructor: Rocky
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was not challenging, but I learned a lot about Michelangelo and art history in general. Rocky was very down to earth and was definitely an expert in his field. We basically never had class in the classroom because nearly every day we would meet at a different museum and he would lecture as we were seeing the works. Rocky usually let us out early, but we still got through a lot of material. I was in class for less time than I usually am in class here. Very structured, organized class & teacher.
Credit Transfer Issues: Not thus far, but I haven't gotten my grades back yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Photographing Florence
Course Department: ART 329Q
Instructor: Letizia
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Cool class, learned a lot about photography, but that is not saying much since I have never taken a photography class before. Spend a lot of time sitting around, waiting for the teacher to help other students. Some classes I would just bring a book to read. Besides that, it was a good class that was very relaxed.
Credit Transfer Issues: Nope.