Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying abroad was the most rewarding, and life changing experience. Past Review

By (University of Kentucky) - abroad from 08/28/2018 to 12/13/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am a lot more culturally aware than I was previously. Going abroad really gave me a global mindset and it was the most rewarding experience I have ever been a part of.

Review Photos

SAI Programs: Florence - Florence University of the Arts Photo SAI Programs: Florence - Florence University of the Arts Photo SAI Programs: Florence - Florence University of the Arts Photo

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

SAI on-site support was unbelievably amazing they had everything I needed before I could even ask for it. It made the adapting process so much easier.

* 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?

SAI staff made our health their #1 priority and upfront gave us the names, addresses, and numbers to english speaking doctors and all emergency services. They also regularly inquired about our health both physically and mentally.

* Safety:

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

SAI had so many incredible opportunities available to us throughout the whole semester and did everything in their power to make our stay as comfortable as possible. I always felt very safe and taken care of because of them and they were truly at the core of why my study abroad experience was so amazing.

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? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? While you're abroad you want to do a lot of traveling and that is the largest expense not your daily expenses while you are in your host city. I saved $5000 for the semester and it was barely enough to do all I wanted to do.

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? 3 years of high school spanish
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? Learn the most basic words (ex. yes/ no, please/ thank you) before you arrive and it will make the transition process a lot easier. You will pick up on the language once you get there you don't need to be fluent before you arrive.

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?
  • SAI on-site staff
  • The city I chose
  • All of the opportunities provided to us by SAI
* What could be improved?
  • FUA communication with students
  • Information on recommended funds before departure
  • Mid-semester gathering with all SAI students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I could've known how much I was going to enjoy the program so that I could've stayed for an entire year instead of just a semester.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.