The Most Enriching Semester Of My Life Past Review
By Camilla M (Art History, Trinity University) - abroad from 08/29/2016 to 12/14/2016 with
Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence
It was worthwhile because I learned how to be acclimated into a completely new environment. It gave me independence and a new outlook on the world. I learned so much about the Renaissance as many of my art history classes took place in the city of Florence itself, rather than in a classroom. I really gained a lot of knowledge from this aspect of the program. The program hosted lectures about Italian art and culture, and hosted many amazing field trips around Italy such as Assisi, Ravenna, and Rome, to name a few. There were opportunities to have guided tours to wine cellars, artisan shops, and restaurants to learn more about the culture.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program allowed me to be fully immersed in the culture by having us live with Italian families. They were incredibly welcoming and I truly enjoyed our time together, especially during dinner time. The program had an excellent Italian language program with classes that lasted for 2 hours a day and really helped with the transition of living in a new country. I had wonderful professors in art history as well. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 40 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eating at local restaurants instead of tourist traps and doing some grocery shopping. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Italian 101 |
| 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? | Ask questions to locals and if you live with a family, ask them how to say certain phrases. Become a regular at certain shops and restaurants so that they know you and you can start a conversation. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew what an amazing experience it would be. I was very nervous to go abroad because I didn't know it would be such a positive experience. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
