Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life in Florence will change your life! Past Review

By (Biomedical Engineering, Western New England University) - abroad from 05/27/2013 to 07/13/2013 with

ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This changed my whole life and my life goals. I thirst for the opportunity to travel as often as possible. I have started to plan my life for post graduation to help the world on a global scale. I learned to appreciate the different cultures and types of people in the world.

Review Photos

International Studies Abroad (ISA): Florence - Business, Hospitality, Design & Liberal Arts Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Florence - Business, Hospitality, Design & Liberal Arts Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Florence - Business, Hospitality, Design & Liberal Arts Photo

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.

The work was challenging but still enjoyable which is always a great balance, especially in a foreign country.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The ISA staff was so supportive no matter what I asked them for. I also saw them in the streets of Italy and they would say hi to me and ask how my experience was

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family. I still am in touch with my host mom because we built an amazing relationship. I was in the city and learned how to get around from my home with the help of my host mom. ISA did a really good job of matching my profile to my host families.

* Food:

Doing homestay I had amazing home cooked meals almost every night. Obviously, I had to be brave to try some new things and I found I loved new dishes but not all.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

After a week or so I felt at home, navigating the city and speaking the language with the people. I feel if you aren't afraid to put yourself out there you will get the most out of it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any health issues during my stay. But in my program health care was provided.

* Safety:

Every city that is new can be scary. And every city has it's bad parts. However, if you were smart about your travels and the way you carried yourself in the city no one would bother you.

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 also went on my own trips that cost excess money so this score is based on everyday experiences in Italy

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 to $75/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I planned in advance so I saved for a year before my trip. Also living with a host family saved me money on food and laundry.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • I loved the planned trips with ISA.
  • I loved my host family and the amazing lifestyle I had.
  • I loved the city and the oppurtunity to explore it while going to school.
* What could be improved?
  • The amount of free time to go on our own trips.
  • The times in which courses are offered.
  • I kind of wish we could choose our roommates but I still loved mine.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Honestly, they were very informative before I went on my trip. I was very satisfied and found that I learned a lot while I was there that didn't make any significant difference.

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 Urbanite
A 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.