Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Time of my life Past Review

By (Indiana University of Pennsylvania / IUP) - abroad from 09/01/2015 to 12/18/2015 with

SAI Study Abroad: Florence - Florence University of the Arts (FUA)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about different cultures in those 4 months than in my lifetime. I would not trade it for the world and hope to go back in the near future. It was more than worthwhile.

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 professors at FUA were beyond amazing and so helpful beyond the classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

I was abroad in Florence when the Paris bombing occurred and FUA was so quick with telling us what we should do and who to contact in case of an emergency in Florence.

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

I would 100% choose SAI because they were more than accommodating before, during and after being abroad.

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? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn how to cook food in your apartment, and grocery shop in the open air markets.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 4 In high school
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? Definitely learn the basics before going over seas

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?
  • Included excursions
  • People at SAI
  • The chances to meet new people
* What could be improved?
  • Honestly it was perfect
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to pack, for sure. I brought more than I needed to and ended up giving away more than I wanted to.

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.