Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Changing Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., Trinity University) - abroad from 05/30/2012 to 07/14/2012 with

Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There are so many different types of people in this world and its worth it to get to know each and every person. I feel much more accepting of people in different cultures.

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.

Classes were fairly easy. If you just pay attention in class then you wont have a problem getting an A. The classes are also very enjoyable and very interesting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Didn't really have much contact with them but nice and helpful from what I could tell.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living with a host family was the best part of my experience. I loved my host mother. It was such a great way to dive right into the culture.

* Food:

LOVED THE FOOD! My host mom cooked the most amazing food. Italian food is by far the best food I have ever had in my entire life.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt pretty integrated into the culture. I spoke a little bit of Italian coming to Italy so that helped a lot. American culture is also pretty prominent in Italy so a lot of people speak english if you don't know italian.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I assisted a friend in the emergency room after a cut foot. An ambulance picked us up, the emt's were very friendly. The hospital staff however treated us like dumb americans even though we knew italian. The doctor spoke very little english but did a good job in stitching my friend up. The staff could have been a lot more helpful than they were. No insurance was needed and it only cost 40 euros for everything which is much less expensive than what it would have cost in America.

* Safety:

I felt very safe walking around late at night. A girl in my program was attacked by a man she left a club with but it is common sense not to leave a place with a stranger so just don't do that and you'll be fine.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euros at least
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You are going to buy a ton of stuff so have as much money as you can. Also keep euros on you as many places don't take credit card. Budget a lot of money for food and drinks also.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • host family
  • campus
  • classes
* What could be improved?
  • costs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring an extra suitcase and don't pack so many clothes since you will buy them there.

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.