Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Going abroad was an amazing cultural experience! Past Review

By (Hospitality Management, Washington State University - Pullman campus) - abroad from 05/13/2013 to 06/20/2014 with

SAI Study Abroad: Florence - Apicius International Culinary School of Hospitality

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile, I learned so much about another culture and how they interact. It was a wonderful experience to live in a city and be engulfed in the Italian culture.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My first apartment was filled with bugs and we didn't get it taken care of until 2 weeks into the program. However they did accommodate us with a new apartment, I was satisfied with my second apartment.

* 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

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
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I put away money while I was working the semester before I went abroad.

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? 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? I took sign language for 2 semesters
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? I would get an app on your phone or maybe a book to look at before you go.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The food
  • The planned trips
  • Living in the city
* What could be improved?
  • Less class time for more time to travel
  • More planned dinners with everyone on the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would bring more euros so I didn't have to take out a lot of cash from the atm since they their was an issue with the atm and they charge you every time you take cash out.

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.