Cliché Life Changing Experience in Florence Past Review

By (Graphic Design., Santa Reparata International School of Art) - abroad from 07/07/2013 to 07/31/2013 with

Study Abroad at SRISA: Accredited Semester - Fine Arts, Liberal Arts and Design

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This could go on forever with the numerous things I gained and learned from my study abroad experience. To save time, I will just say that it was indefinitely worthwhile and I would go back in a second.

Review Photos

Santa Reparata International School of Art: Florence - Direct Enrollment Photo Santa Reparata International School of Art: Florence - Direct Enrollment Photo Santa Reparata International School of Art: Florence - Direct Enrollment Photo Santa Reparata International School of Art: Florence - Direct Enrollment Photo Santa Reparata International School of Art: Florence - Direct Enrollment Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

High intensity because of the short time period, but overall pretty easy classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The entire staff was very helpful and friendly!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Nice location and living arrangement. Was charged a minor fee for some paint fee that wasn't because of us.

* Food:

LOVED

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very immersed in the local culture, other than all of the other tourists. I would prefer to go a less tourist-y time if I go back again.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

I felt overall pretty safe in Florence, however I would be careful with drinks and staying with a group.

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

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)

It all depends on what you spend your money on, I personally wasn't too worried about expenses because I wanted to experience all of Italy.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy souvenirs until the end of your trip in the city you're staying in, you'll find what is unique about the city you live in and find what is just junk that is seen on every other street.

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

They encouraged us to at least try, although Florence was very tourist-friendly and most people spoke to us in English.

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? Self taught
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? Take at least a beginner course to know common sayings/greetings.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Connections
  • Good mentors
  • Italy!
* What could be improved?
  • Travel accomodations
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Live in the moment, it's not every day that you'll be able to have this experience! Seize every day and every opportunity presented.

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.