My Awesome Semester In Florence through SAI Programs! Past Review
By Sarah N (Washington State University) - abroad from 01/27/2015 to 05/15/2015 with
SAI Study Abroad: Florence - Florence University of the Arts (FUA)
SO MUCH. I learned so much about myself as a person it's crazy. Incredibly worthwhile. If you have a chance, you must go abroad and choose SAI Programs.
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. |
Studying through SAI Programs at Florence University of the Arts was the most wonderful and rewarding experience. FUA combined the perfect combination of academics, and having fun while learning. I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking to go abroad through an awesome program! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
SAI was always, I mean ALWAYS there to help no matter the time of day or situation. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was spacious, centrally located, and overall the perfect Italian living experience. I was in short walking distance from all of my classes and was in the cutest neighborhood living around locals. |
| * Food: |
FUA is home to Ganzo, which is a student operated restaurant in Florence. They have weekly aperitivo and amazing food! It was really cool to taste other students creations, and for a cheap price! Florence University of the Arts is the only school that has this which really sets it apart. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
SAI integrated me so well with Italian culture. Providing weekly excursions, I was able to immerse myself with other American students but learn a lot about Italian culture. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
SAI was able to hook me up with am English doctor making doctor visits so comfortable and easy. I liked the doctor so much, I went back several times instead of trying to treat myself when I was sick. |
| * Safety: |
Florence Is one of the safest cities you can study abroad in. I never felt unsafe. Florence is a smaller city with a huge population of study abroad students. You meet so many people and never need to travel alone. |
| 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? | $300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy groceries and cook at home! Decide what days you will go out, and what days you will cook. Grocery shopping and cooking for yourself saves you money, but also lets you experience the Italian lifestyle a bit more. |
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? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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? | 10+ |
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? | Take advantage of the opportunities SAI programs gives you. Because you can learn a lot. |
