Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Insatiable for More of La Dolce Vita Past Review

By (History and Art History, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/06/2013 to 04/24/2013 with

Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile. I learned a new language and learned to live and LOVE the Italian way of life and the people.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Unfortunately, I had a family loss very early in the program and I can't even begin to explain how supportive, empathetic, vigilant, and caring the staff and administration was.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in a homestay which was a wonderful experience. I requested a central location and a family with younger children so I could practice and have a more family environment and I got a wonderful homestay family and I was a 2-minute walk to the Duomo. The only slight issue I had is that Italians don't rear their children as strictly as we do in America so almost every morning I was awakened by the sounds and sights of small children.

* Food:

So many new experiences in food, wine, desserts, and Italian home-cooking. One of the major reasons I loved my choice in Florence as my study abroad experience!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I immersed myself in the language and culture and focused on meeting more locals and only speaking Italian when I was out so I felt like I was more embraced by the locals and the culture than my other American counterparts.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I needed some counseling and was referred to a wonderful therapist while there. Also, the counseling at Syracuse was very welcoming and helpful and still check in on me.

* Safety:

I felt fairly safe but being American makes you a target for vendors and male attention. As long as you're in a group and don't walk home late at night intoxicated and alone you shouldn't have problems.

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)

The euro was more powerful than the dollar but I found local grocery stores to make sandwiches for lunch or buy a piece of fruit for lunch or a snack and every once in awhile I would go out to less-touristy places and it wasn't much different in price than going out in America.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $70-$80/week

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intensive Beginner's Italian
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just speak the language with anyone you can! If you're not in a homestay force yourself to speak to the local bakery owner or grocery store attendant. And everyone makes mistakes so don't worry about it. You'll be better received if you try versus immediately resort to speaking English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Class schedule-made it easy to travel and experience local sites and sounds
  • Host Family-so welcoming and supportive and language-intensive experience
* What could be improved?
  • More cultural and local programs
  • Intensity of classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You learn so much more going abroad than staying home. Learning how to live in a totally new environment, language, culture, away from constant wifi and calls to home teaches you how to be a fully-functioning, independent, more appreciative American.

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.