In fashion heaven for 5 months, with an unusual experience than anyone else! Past Review

By (Apparel Design & Merchandising, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/20/2014 to 05/16/2014 with

Arcadia: Florence - Accademia Italiana Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be independent beyond what I already knew. It was worthwhile!

Review Photos

Arcadia: Florence - Accademia Italiana Florence Photo Arcadia: Florence - Accademia Italiana Florence Photo Arcadia: Florence - Accademia Italiana Florence Photo Arcadia: Florence - Accademia Italiana Florence Photo

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be prepared to spend more than you do in the states, especially with the exchange rate.

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? 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? 4 years of Spanish
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? Immerse yourself. Try to order your food and ask basic questions in the language. Also, try changing your phone/computer to the language--makes you learn real quickly.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Travel capabilities
  • Teachers
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Class length
  • Lack of structure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would've known the type of classes I was going to be taking.