Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Attempting to Cram Hundreds of Years of Ancient History in to Four Months Past Review

By (Hardin-Simmons University) - abroad from 01/01/2016 to 04/27/2016 with

SRISA: Faculty-Led and Customized Programs in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think it shattered a lot of misconceptions. Both good and bad. Italy was like any other country. It has its good and bad things. Florence as a city was no different. The subtle racism surprised me a little. I think a lot of Americans have this preconception that the rest of the world has somehow moved "beyond" that but it isn't really true. "good" stereotypes are just as damaging as "bad" ones. They block progress. But Florence was a wonderful city and very friendly and patient with foreigners. I want deeply to go back.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was sometimes hard to know where to buy supplies in the city! I Often spent more time looking for things than being able to work. But I learned a lot and the experience was fantastic.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All the staff were always friendly. I have no complaints.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was fine--only roughness was from a group of three people that didn't know each other learning to live together.

* Food:

I can't really complain about Italian food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

By the end of the stay I could speak enough basic Italian phrases to navigate. Local restaurants/bakeries/etc recognized me and were friendly, and I could navigate in the city without issue. But I do wish I could speak better Italian.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to pharmacists a few times, but never went to the doctor. I did have to search the city for a hospital to help a roommate, however. No issues with either; the pharmacist each time gave me medicine that did what I needed.

* Safety:

Large cities inherently bring danger. I was sexually assaulted during my stay. I was unharmed and got away. The police were notified. It took them almost the full four months to finally find an interpreter... by which time I had forgotten a lot of details behind the incident. The police detective handling my case was very brusque and aggressive. I know he was trying to help but it was very unsettling. He would often turn up at my apartment unannounced with his partner, despite saying he would call first. He never did.

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

I had a rocky start and a few things went wrong, but SRISA was very supportive and when the staff found out what happened, were very angry on my behalf and helped me immediately. I felt very at home with SRISA.

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)

Groceries are relatively inexpensive in Italy. Art supplies not so much.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? roughly $100 most weeks.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy from the markets! It's cheaper, you get more produce, and it will be fresher. It is worth getting up early for!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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
  • International Students
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?
  • Seeing another part of the world.
  • Learning some Italian.
  • Art history where much of it happened.
* What could be improved?
  • I can't think of anything.
  • The program covered most things through workshops.
  • I just didn't get to go.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? MORE ITALIAN.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!