Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Microcosmic american school in medieval touristic delicious Florence Past Review

By (Sarah Lawrence College) - abroad from 09/10/2013 to 12/20/2013 with

Sarah Lawrence in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about how I identify as an American. It was a great exercise in social learning-- within the group of american students and with Italians. Too much and too nuanced maybe to summarize here, but definitely worthwhile. I think everyone's experience is so personal. I know that most people i talked to were having their own realizations and developments.

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?

* 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? 75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? withdraw cash in large amounts and use only cash -- keep most of it at home and carry only what you need. Avoid touristy areas.

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? I had not taken any Italian prior to departure
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 shy. People generally are very patient.

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?
  • focus on immersion
  • thorough accommodations
  • school trips
* What could be improved?
  • I can't think of anything
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I don't think there is any way of really knowing what I know now without having experienced it. I felt completely prepared by Sarah Lawrence, and all the things left to know were made clear in time.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.