I would recommend for anyone to study abroad through SRISA. Past Review

By (Interior Design., Santa Reparata International School of Art) - abroad from 05/20/2013 to 06/21/2013 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?
I learned so much about the Italian culture as well as my independence. This experience was priceless and worth more than any amount of money to me. I wouldn't trade the world for my experience abroad. I loved every minute of it. The culture, the people, the food, and the knowledge I gained while I was there.

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.

I loved my studying at Santa Reparata, I learned a lot more than I ever could have in America. The rich Italian culture was something so special that I hold near and dear to my heart.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was very accommodating and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartment was small, but that was to be expected. I didn't spend a whole lot of time there anyway so I didn't mind.

* Food:

Some of the most amazing food i've ever had. Everything was so fresh and tasty.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The culture welcomed me and I felt safe.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not sure, because I never had any health issues.

* Safety:

I felt very safe while in Florence, but other cities not so much.

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)

Food was expensive, but if you cooked, you could save money; which I didn't do a good job of.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300 Average
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy local foods in the market. The best way to save money is to avoid restaurants with people outside trying to lure you in. The good restaurants shouldn't need to hire someone to stand outside to harass you. I am not the best budget-er there is but a lot of food locally isn't ridiculously expensive. You can also shop at the local grocery stores and buy bread/meats to make sandwiches.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

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?
  • Flexibility
  • Kindness
  • Planned Trips/Scheduled Extra Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Technology Conditions
  • Air Conditioning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to navigate the city in a better way than just having a map. A presentation on more detailed information would have been helpful.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.