Amazing! Past Review

By (Art Therapy, Marywood University) - abroad from 09/05/2014 to 12/22/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have learned a whole new level of independence

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?

* Food:

We cooked for ourselves or went out to eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Florence is a travel location. So many people speak english, and if you tried to speak Italian to them they wouldn't want to. They wanted to practice their English. So integrating with the locals was diffucult

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't need to use the healthcare while there, but two of my roommates did. One had a great experience and the other had a horrible experience. All depends on where you go.

* Safety:

Florence is one of the safest cities in Italy.

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? not sure

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 2
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? Speaking partner, early on.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • How nice the professors were
* What could be improved?
  • The housing and how they communicated (they can be rude)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? n/a

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Photography 1 - Black and White

Course Department:
Instructor: Romeo DiLoreto
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I came into the class having no knowledge of photography and I left with an abundance. Romeo is such a wonderful professor. I would recommend this class to anyone.
Credit Transfer Issues: