Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pretty good. Past Review

By (Sarah Lawrence College) - abroad from 09/18/2012 to 12/18/2012 with

Sarah Lawrence in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was definitely worthwhile. I learned a lot about the Italian culture, although I did feel very alien to it.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

AMAZING! But sometimes, I would have rather lived with other students.

* Food:

AMAZING!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not feel very integrated into the Italy youth culture. I found it extremely difficult to do so in Florence.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very good.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 70 Euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a day-to-day budget but leave room for more spending on week end trips.

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? None
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? beginner
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? Speak to the locals and to your host families in the language, even if you are afraid to make mistakes.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Learning the culture through cuisine. The field trips.
* What could be improved?
  • More integration into the youth culture. More local field trips in Florence at the beginning of the program. More responsibility on the part of the professors in terms of conference.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To really become immersed in the Italian culture, you cannot necessarily depend on the program for guidance. Most of the work and exploration needs to be done independently.