Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely the best time of my life! Past Review

By (Management Science, Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 01/27/2015 to 05/17/2015 with

Florence University of The Arts: Florence - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about mu confidence, how to communicate effectively, and how to adapt in a new environment. YES! It was amazing!

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 had a great experience at FUA! The classes were taught by passionate and qualified individuals. I learned a lot about the country, about my specific area of interest, and how to learn and develop in a completely new environment.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Wonderful! They helped wherever they could to make your experience the best possible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I met amazing people, and we all got along really well!

* Food:

I fell in love with Italian food. I mean how can you not? Pizza, Pastry's and Gelato. Nothing better!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like an outsider for the first half. After your first month you start to adapt to the culture and pick up on their social cues. I struggled at first, like everyone, but then one day it just clicks. You know you belong there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never thought about getting sick. But I did. I got strep throat and had no idea where to go or what to do. I could barely swallow. It was scary for me, especially because strep throat is potentially life threatening.

* Safety:

The safety is good! Police are patrolling everywhere and take good precaution regarding soccer games and riots. People get crazy over that stuff. The reason it is not a 5, is because I did hear a lot about people getting their drinks roofied, purses and belongings snatched right away form them on the streets, and men like to be quite derogatory towards women.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I love Italy, but there is so much more I would love to see! They say you get bit by the travel bug when you Study Abroad and it's so true!

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 lived very comfortably!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? roughly 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It may be exciting the first week you get there, but remember that you have 2 1/2 months left. So spend wisely.

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

Always. I loved trying to communicate, and learn from everyone on the Italian Language. People respected that we tried.

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? Spanish 3
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? Take a class while you're there! Immerse yourself in the culture! Also, the Duo-lingo App is a great way to get familiar with the language!

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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 People and Culture
  • The Food
  • The places I was able to go and see
* What could be improved?
  • Preparation before leaving
  • Better living area
  • Give people a site to see reviews on! Like this one!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To believe in myself and trust that I make the right decisions for me. By this I mean I learned to be independent and make my own decisions. I am proud I took the leap to do something so grand at such a young age. People disapproved, but I pushed past and made it the best experience I could have. Believe in yourself and your decisions.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!