Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing academic and personal experience. Past Review

By (Creative Writing., Sarah Lawrence College) - abroad from 09/04/2012 to 05/10/2013 with

Sarah Lawrence in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely learned what I took for granted in my own country, but also greatly appreciated what was in Italy that was not back home. I acquired a new perspective being a part of an entirely different lifestyle, and I felt relatively integrated by the end of the study abroad experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

I loved my living situation - the only thing I would complain about is merely how far it was from the center. Since public transit ends around midnight, it was difficult to go see shows or concerts that started around 9pm because I would have no real way to get home without spending a lot of money on a cab or walking an hour in the dark. However, the woman I lived with was amazing - and for people who would not mind the distance, I would encourage the school to continue placing students in her home.

* 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? 25 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate II
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 with someone! Speaking for me was the only way to remember the language.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Photography Course
  • The Professors
  • My Host Family
* What could be improved?
  • Commuting options for those who live far away
  • Options for students who have become victims of fraud or who have had their money stolen.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should have become more acquainted with the language before hand, so communicating and integrating could have been easier/started sooner.

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!