Incredible but too short (COVID-19). February 16, 2021

By (American University) - abroad from 01/09/2020 to 03/09/2020 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved tutoring local Italian children a program offered by SACI

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.

Classes were very engaging and required sufficient work with a Bachelors Program. The field-style classes that took place in museums and galleries was very beneficial.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very strong and helpful administration

* 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 loved SACI and they made Florence accessible and enjoyable

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? €20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? make sure to have cash on you at all times it is easier to keep track of finances

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

I was fluent in Italian when I arrived and many professors were happy to speak to me in Italian so I could practice

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian Advanced Independent Study
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? Speak Italian as much as you can and try to watch/listen to Italian media before you arrive

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The professors
  • The classes
* What could be improved?
  • Online programs
  • Library Collection
  • Travel
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The difficulty dealing with the Italian Government

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!