Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A semester to find myself Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Fordham University) - abroad from 09/04/2013 to 12/17/2013 with

Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think it was worthwhile. Even though I had a lot of bad days while studying in Italy I learned things about myself that I wouldn't know now if I hadn't gone to Florence.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While the academic standards were not up to what I am used to at Fordham. the academics were what I expected out of studying abroad. Also I felt like this semester was much more focused on liberal arts than any other in my college career. It may not have been my hardest semester, but I still felt I learned a lot about the world I live in.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was very helpful with anything I needed

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My house mother was perfect. She was exactly what I wanted out of a study abroad living situation

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I always knew what was happening within Syracuse, but that the university did not help my knowledge of what was going on in Florence at the time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe throughout my entire experience. When we I first arrived in Florence many of the administrators told me and the other students that Florence was a safe city except the pickpocketing. Although I personally never got pick pocketed I completely agree with them

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try and get a credit card or debt card with a bank that has european affiliates or you will be slammed with charges

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? Exit level spanish
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? Simply just try and talk and think in that language as much as you can. Even if it's just on your walk home from school try and talk to yourself in the language.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Greek odyssey
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Weekend trips
* What could be improved?
  • Integration into the city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I like traveling alone rather than in large groups

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!