Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best thing I ever did for my mental/spiritual and cultural development! February 02, 2021

By (Maine College of Art) - abroad from 01/07/2021 to 04/28/2021 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile. I found I learned more outside of the classroom and SACI made that extremely easy to do. The art history trips were extremely beneficial and I enjoyed how they did not overwork students or give too much homework.

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.

Academics were not difficult and easy to follow. The fashion classes need a lot of development for the students majoring in that program back home.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was not terrible but it wasn’t great. On the bright side not much time was spent in housing besides sleeping/eating.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any Heath issues during my time here

* Safety:

It is safe if you stay smart. Pick-pocketers were a bit of a problem for me

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

Although I loved the school and their classes SACI did not have a developed fashion and textile program. I would have liked better academics within this particular major.

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)

Depended on the week. If I did a lot of traveling it would fluctuate. I did however have a good savings built up for my time there.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? In my opinion fully enjoy trips and your time abroad comfortably you need 4,000-5,000 for a semester. Doing trips as a group can cut down the cost of hotels as well.

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? Beginner
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? None
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? Start practicing before you leave, especially if you have a learning disability. This can make it 10x harder to catch on even with your language class.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Environment
  • Art history trips
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Fashion classes
  • Better housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Where I could find bath towels and other necessities

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.