IDK Past Review
By A student (Syracuse University) - abroad from 09/01/2018 to 12/18/2018 with
Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence
Definitely was worthwhile. I got to see more of the world than I ever had before. Flying there was actually my first trip on an airplane. Amazing glimpse into the lives and cultures of others.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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: |
As a woman, don’t walk alone at night and don’t go for runs near busy roads. Also, always beware of pickpockets. Keep an eye on purses AND if you’re wearing a backpack. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The administration, organization, and overall experience was great. Syracuse did a fantastic job with the program. |
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) |
It was very hard to live on the budget I had. A lot of people got into credit card debt, but I just opted out of some experiences instead of going into more debt. Out of pocket food expenses were not bad because I lived with a host family, but I didn’t get to experience many restaurants or local cuisine due to my budget. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save early and save about twice as much as you think you’ll need. Don’t get into credit card debt if you don’t have to. Plan trips early, and get the cheapest SAFE hotels/airbnb’s/hostels. g |
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 |
Loved the course and learned quite a bit of Italian. However, I didn’t have much contact with local people in a way in which I could practice. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | No Italian, but quite a bit of 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? | Order food and talk with local people! Some don’t like talking to “tourists” or americans, but the majority loved it when I’d say even a few words in Italian. (Hello, good morning, I’ll have my food to go, how are you, etc) |
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? | 0 |
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? | It would feel lonely sometimes but it was overall very worth it. I wish I knew more italian and how much more money I would have liked to have. |
