Florence: Lots of money for lots of art. Past Review

By (Art History, Hamline University) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think I learned alot about myself and what really matters to me. I didnt get the cultural experience I was looking for since there were so many Americans there already. I wish I would have been more daring in my search for a program. I met amazing people and saw amazing things, but I think if money wouldnt have been such an issue I would have been able to do alot more.

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 web site made me think it was a top of the line art school, however the facilities in general were just okay. I didnt have access to anything more then I would have had access to at Hamline.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The professor was more interested in getting the information we would need for a test told to us than she was interested in engaging us with what we were studying, even though it would have been very easy since we were on site with the art.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was very nice, and the location was great.

* Food:

NO SALT :( But the access to fresh vegtables and fruit was awesome.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made the some of the best friends of my life while I was there. Im still in contact with many of them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Health and safety was very much a personal responsibility. The school did tell us where the English speaking pharmacies but did not do much besides that.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? BRING MORE MONEY!!!!! Be sure Florence is the place you want to live and not just see. Other cities have a lot to offer as well.