Priceless. Would do it again in a heartbeat at twice the price. Past Review

By (Benedictine College) - abroad from 02/02/2015 to 04/07/2015 with

Benedictine College: Florence - Semester Program in Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about other cultures. I also learned to enjoy art quite a bit. I also now feel comfortable traveling in the future. And yes, incredibly worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned a ton about Europe, travel, and art.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Villa was beautiful, food was not

* Food:

Very poor 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

It's great going with a group. I formed close friendships with people I had never met before and with whom I now keep in touch with on a weekly basis.

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

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? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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 did you like most about the program?
  • Art
  • Friendships
  • Seeing new and incredible places
* What could be improved?
  • The food was a joke for what we paid vs what we got
  • Laundry facilities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Religious items are cheaper in Europe so stock up! Also bring your own red solo cups over with you.... They don't sell them in Europe.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.