Amazing Summer in Florence- Design study aboard Past Review
By Lucy R (Missouri State University) - abroad from 06/03/2013 to 07/04/2014 with
Global Semesters: Florence - Summer in Florence
I learned a lot about myself and how I fit in with the world. I realized the huge differences between America and the rest of the world and what I think on these issues. It changed my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My instructors from MSU came and taught our classes aboard. It was well balanced with time to explore and class time, however would have liked a little more exploration time. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were helpful with any questions or concerns. The SRISA staff helped us plan different trips around and out of the city. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our housing was ideal. We were close to classes, the dumeo, the train station, anything we could want. The apartments were clean and welcoming to live in. |
| * Food: |
The food was amazing! The school planned a few meals for everyone that was great. We lived down the street from the central market and learned to make our own food as well. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I did feel like an American in Italy but we looked the part. For the most part, the people were nice enough to us. Some were mean while others incredibly helpful. Just beware of the street vendors at all times! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did have an encounter with the health care. The people were very nice at the hospital and the staff at SRISA helped with translations and making the situation as easy as it could have been. My biggest complaint was the amount of time it took to get my results back to me- over 3 months. |
| * Safety: |
The city of Florence is safe enough as long as you are aware of what is going on around you. Never travel alone and always know where your purse is at, friends are at, and where you are. |
| 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 had planned a budget, it was just a matter of keeping to it. I did decently enough on this. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Probably around 50-100 euros, depending on what we did |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Start saving early and save a lot more than you think you really need to. You'll be happy to have the extra money once you are there. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The save more money! |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
