SAI Florence University of the Arts 10-star experience! Past Review
By Katie Cohen (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 01/22/2018 to 05/10/2018 with
SAI Study Abroad: Florence - Florence University of the Arts (FUA)
I learned that other cultures have a more relaxed and simplistic lifestyle than we are raised with in America. I learned to prioritize relationships and enjoy long dinners stemming from authentic conversation and incredible cuisine. I came back with a longing to cook wholesome food and go back to the basics.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned so much through the courses at FUA. They were intense yet vividly interesting. We had to work in a different capacity than back at home, which was something I really appriciated. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
SAI was so helpful with anything big or small. They were located centrally and were always willing to throw out suggestions on where to eat or help with housing. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My apartment with SAI was one of my favorite parts of choosing this program. My apartment was on a popular street with tons to do right near the city center. |
| * Food: |
Italian food = dreamy. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt as though I had real opportunities to interact with locals. I learned language tips from shop owners and shared many laughs with the Florentines. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to go to the doctor once during the semester and it was all paid for with our insurance, and the doctor was from England so he spoke perfect english. I was seen within 5 minutes. |
| * Safety: |
Make sure to order a cab to go to the train station if leaving early in the a.m. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I could not imagine going through another program besides SAI. They were friendly, informative, and made sure to immerse students in Florentine culture. |
Finances
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* 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) |
there are a lot of unaccounted for expenses such as travel strikes. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 40 Euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget more than you would think. Also create a budget before hand or soon after arrival and be disciplined with it. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had trained myself in patience before leaving for the program because people in Italy move at their own pace and enjoy lingering. I did not really expect this and found myself annoyed at first. I then learned to appreciate the cultural simplicity. |
