Eye opening adventure Past Review

By (West Texas A&M University) - abroad from 01/02/2017 to 01/21/2017 with

ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned to be open and willing to learn. It was worth while because it made me appreciate a lot back home being in an unfamiliar place as well as make me want to travel again.

Review Photos

ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy Photo ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy Photo ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy Photo ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

ISA and FUA were very friendly and helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved it except for loud neighbors

* Food:

Easy to access grocery store and other restaurants

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At times I felt like I fit in but others I didn't. Needed better language studies

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got really sick my last week and nothing at the drug store seemed to help until my last day. Make sure you read up on drug information to know what to get for which symptoms.

* Safety:

I always felt safe pretty often, make sure you always lock your doors and make sure they're shut

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Yes and no. I would choose somewhere without a huge language barrier. But I met great friends and learned a lot and I would encourage anyone to go if they can.

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 was good on some days and others were more expensive when traveling.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 200$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at home more it's way cheaper, also prepare to have cash at all times.

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

Use the language as much as possible.

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? High school Spanish (3years)
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? Practice it in your every day life.

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
  • The views
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • The touring
  • Pre trip language courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew general things such as norms and ways to blend in.

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.