Firenze, I will miss you! Past Review

By (University of Missouri - Saint Louis) - abroad from 06/20/2016 to 07/20/2016 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?
A new language!

Review Photos

SRISA: Summer and Short-Term Sessions in Florence 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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was very hot on the 3rd floor. No dish rags so we had to keep buying paper towels. Shower curtain too short. A roommate threw up and did not clean up the mess before she left.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30euro or less

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
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? Don't be afraid to strike up conversations in Italian.

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

  • 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?
  • free time on the weekend to travel
  • Chianti wine tour
  • Friends, nightlife
* What could be improved?
  • In the Siena trip, let us know to eat breakfast before we go.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was there during the croce games and palio race in Siena (Which our tour was the day before the actual race.). Knowing that these festivities were going on, I would have like to buy tickets way in advance. Also, that if I want to travel to other countries or cities on the weekends that I should book flights or longer trains beforehand to save 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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'