Life Changing with Photography in Florence Past Review

By (Santa Reparata International School of Art) - abroad from 05/17/2016 to 06/18/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about a new culture that I didn't know much about beforehand. I also got to learn about that culture while I was in it, walking the streets everyday to photograph, shopping, and dining in the restaurants. That's an unbeatable experience!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Photography is a little different than other art courses, in terms of academic rigor, because we have to be out in an environment to photograph something, so we had as much time to walk around Florence as we had in the lab. Walking around a beautiful city is far from rigorous..

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration at Santa Reparata was incredible! They were all extremely helpful and welcoming, both day and night shifts. Barbara and Marta were especially helpful on matters within school and otherwise, i.e. clarifying certain Italian words or phrases and how they are used, pointing out great restaurants or fun local areas around the city. It was a very cool experience to walk into school every morning and feel and be treated like you've been a part of the school for years.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The only issue with the housing was that it was far away from campus and much less interesting than the housing assignments for the others in our group. Nonetheless, I was located in a more "local" part of town which meant that food was typically cheaper and more authentic (in the sense that the restaurants weren't catering specifically to tourists). I was also closer to the museums, and the river which was just as nice.

* Food:

You're an idiot if you don't go to SandwiChic. You're also making a mistake if you don't go to many places all over the city and try everything. The further away you are from the Duomo, the better the food. No, Mr. Pizza is not good. Trust me on this one. Also, Cafe Nabuco is a great place for a cafe latte or a cappuccino.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's difficult to integrate yourself when you don't speak the language, bu that was my barrier. If you remain polite and courteous than you will receive nothing but respect. If you walk into a place like you own it (I never tried this myself, but stories were told) you will find out just how much the people don't like you very quickly. Whatever you do don't try and change large bills. For some reason a lot of store owners become disgruntled when they are put into that situation.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe the entire time, even when walking down dark alleys on my own late at night. Just keep in my mind that as a tourist you are an easy target, logically speaking. Keep a copy of your passport, not your original on you or some form of ID. US driver licenses were acceptable for store owners when I was carded (which was extremely rare). Keep all things in your front pockets, and check them every few minutes. Walk in groups, or if alone remain in public areas. Same general things as if you were in a big city in America. Again, not once did I feel in danger in Florence, Cinque Terre, La Spezia, Siena, Chianti, or any other place. Hope for the best and expect the worst, and you will always be prepared.

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

Being an artist in Florence is like being a kid in a candy store. There was so much to do and the resources to get things done were always there. The school's hours were great for late night developing and printing.

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)

Bring a ton of money if you're eating out. It gets expensive fast! Otherwise, the central market has everything you need and the products are relatively cheap. One should definitely plan to go out, but maybe only 2-3 times a week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? between 200-300 euro a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? GO TO THE GROCERY STORE

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
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?
  • Barbara
  • Marta
  • Awesome Photo Lab!
* What could be improved?
  • A new system for chemical drainage in the darkroom, or a better mop!
  • SandwiChic delivery
  • Better integratation with other students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To budget myself more with money.

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!