Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying abroad with SACI was incredible! January 26, 2021

By (Ringling College of Art and Design) - abroad from 05/18/2017 to 06/23/2017 with

Studio Arts College International (SACI): Florence - SACI in Florence, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying in Florence was absolutely worthwhile. I gained a broader perspective of cultures, learned to navigate a city on my own, and the classes were superb. I felt so integrated in the experience and brought my inspiration home with me to help me stay engaged in my studies in the US.

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.

The instructors and their courses were incredible! Academically, the courses were more laid back than traditional college courses, which allowed me to really enjoy my time there while still learning a ton.

* 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

I wouldn't change a thing!

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? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food to cook at your dorm rather than eating out for every meal (but do splurge on gelato)

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • The courses
  • The location
  • The food!
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More italian

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Art History
Course Department: Art
Instructor: Helen Watterson
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Helen knows Florence like the back of her hand. Touring the city with her was a blast and I've never learned so much! We were graded by our attendance and the papers that we wrote.
Credit Transfer Issues: No, it wasn't a problem transferring my credits from SACI. They both counted as advanced art history courses.