Stimulating February 11, 2021

By (Yale University) - abroad from 02/09/2021 to 04/22/2021 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a confidence and independence that was not essential at my home institution. I also learned how to interact with people in high stress situations like travel. The resources of the city were unimaginable and extremely worth it for my studies and life experience.

Review Photos

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

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

My experience was heavily impacted by the pandemic so it's hard to know.

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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would advise cooking at home 5-6 days of the week.

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? Spanish V
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? If you're meeting a person for the first time or entering a business begin immediately with their language instead of beginning with english.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The technique based classes matched with museum and site visits.
  • The indepedence of the schedule, living situation, and layout of the university.
  • The social environment surrounding art.
* What could be improved?
  • The rigor of the classes.
  • The class scheduling system.
  • The diversity of the student body.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Mainly what was going to happen with the world and the fact that it was going to conclude in online teaching.