Non-stop Amazing Adventure Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My educational experience was amazing during my time abroad. I attend Florence University of the Arts. All of my peers were other study abroad students and the classes were taught in English by Italian professors. It was the best of both worlds because we got to speak English but be taught by an Italian professor and learn about their culture and education in Italy. The courses weren't overwhelmingly difficult at all. The professors were really understanding in knowing that student's want to travel so they don't assign a lot of homework. Despite not having a lot of work, I did learn a lot in my classes and enjoyed the opportunity to learn about things that I would have never had the opportunity to learn. The professors were extremely accessible and welcomed any student to contact them for whatever reason, which I utilized a few times regarding questions that I had for some assignments. Overall, my educational experience added to my study abroad experience.

On-site administration of your program

SAI Programs was the best!!! They were such a great help and amazing resource while I was there. The first week, which was orientation, they gave us so much helpful information and tips that made the transition to living in Italy easier. They were all super friendly and knowledgeable about Florence and utilized that all the time. I would go into their office just to say hello, work on a puzzle, or even ask them for recommendations for places to eat or where to buy certain things from. I never had to go to the doctors for any reason, but my roommate did, and one of the SAI staff members went along with her to translate and make her feel more comfortable. They also planned incredible trips and activities for us that I would never have done otherwise. I cannot sing enough praises for the Florence SAI staff.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment in the exact middle of the city with four other girls and I absolutely loved it! I got along great with my roommates, we're still in contact even after we went home. The apartment was furnished with everything we could possibly need, and if something was wrong, we could put a work order in and they would come and fix it. The apartment itself was really big and spacious so we never felt like we were living on top of each other. It was really nice to have that independence that comes from living on your own.

Since we lived by ourselves in an apartment we had to cook for ourselves, which was something that I actually enjoyed. Since Italian food is very carb heavy, cooking on my own allowed me to get my protein and vegetables in my diet. Also, the grocery store was right around the corner from my apartment so I would usually buy food almost everyday to make dinner with. Or I would go to a produce stand to get food as well, which was really fresh. Typically, I would cook on the weekdays and eat out on thew weekends which I found to work out really well for my budget and a well-rounded diet.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like I definitely integrated some aspects of Italian culture into my lifestyle, but still kept some American qualities as well. For example, we would eat later, at around 8, which was normal for Italian, and we would go buy fresh food everyday which was also typical for Italian. I didn't know the language prior to coming and I did learn a little while I was there, just enough to ask for basic things, which was one of the biggest ways I didn't feel connected to their culture while I was there.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any health problems during my time abroad. I did have health insurance that was provided by my program that was really great. One of my roommates did have to go to the doctors and an SAI staff member accompanied her to translates and make her feel more comfortable. She said that everything went well, but the doctor didn't have the same bedside manners that she was accustomed to back in the states.

I never felt unsafe once! Granted I did take precautions like keeping a hand on my purse, not going out by myself late at night, and talking to strange people and telling them where I live. However, Italy does have a reputation for petty crime, specifically thievery, which I didn't experience once. None of my friends had any mishaps either. My advice is to just be aware of your surroundings at all times.

I loved SAI as a program and all of the opporutnies they offered. I especially loved the staff in Florence because they were so friendly, knowledgeable, and just great people. I would find any excuse to go to the office just to see them and say hi. They made my experience as smooth as they possibly could.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans

• They were extremely accessible
• Had plenty of opportunities for activities and trips
• A great resources to make your life easier

• another trip at the end of the semester to bring it full circle

The Outright Urbanite