Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

BEST study abroad program for all majors & universities! Past Review

By (Villanova University) - abroad from 01/13/2020 to 02/28/2020 with

Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience (although it was cut short because of COVID) was truly phenomenal. I learned so much, had once in a lifetime experiences, and made friends from other schools that I will know for my whole life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes at Syracuse combined aspects of traditional classes with experiences in Italy. Most of my classes took weekly field trips as part of the class and used this to explore the city and enhance what we were learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Syracuse's campus in Florence is incredibly well established and integrated with the local community. They have all kinds of resources and things to get you adjusted to living in Italy and are very accessible to help with anything. It was also very nice to have a physical building where you knew the staff was during business hours.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The homestay program that Syracuse did was the best part of my study abroad experience. My host mom and roommate and I became like a family during the 6 weeks we were there. My host mom was the best cook, a fantastic host, and showed us around Italy like a local. Truly could not have asked for better accommodations- and the location of her traditional Italian apartment in the heart of the city could not be beat!

* Food:

The food was phenomenal. The restaurants around campus along with the campus cafe served the BEST food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The doctor on Syracuse's campus was very accessible. I had to see the doctor once and she made a home visit the same day and was payable by cash, which my American insurance company reimbursed me for.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe at any point during my time in Florence. Syracuse provided tips and advice for traveling by train, taxi, bus, and foot and I never felt unsafe or had any issues navigating my way around.

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)

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

The best part of this program was how encouraging everyone was of speaking Italian. It made Florence feel like home so much quicker!

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Italian III
How many hours per day did you use 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
* 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?
  • Home stay program
  • Field trips & culture excursions
  • Location of campus
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Whenever you feel tired, DON'T skip out on anything! My one regret is that I wish I would have done more. You can sleep when you get back to America :)

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.