The most fun and amazing experience of my life! April 11, 2022
By Lilly Y (Studio Art, Syracuse University) - abroad from 09/15/2021 to 11/30/2021 with
Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence
I learned more than I could possibly imagine about art and the history of art. I gained a new kind of independence and a love for a different city that I never thought I could feel like I was at home at.
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. |
This program was just rigorous enough. It helped me learn so much that I thoroughly enjoyed and was interested while still allowing time for me to explore and travel. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Many of the admin were very kind and helpful, but the housing director was often very rude and inconsiderate. I was disappointed with her, but all professors and other admin were very understanding and great! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living in my apartment, but there were some problems with plumbing that we had some trouble getting fixed. |
| * Food: |
Amazing! Food here is just to die for. They also give you esselunga (grocery store) gift cards that you can use when you don’t want to spend too much money on going out to eat every day. |
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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? |
All covid resources were easily accessible. The Italian health care system is definitely different from the U.S. (my roommate was once given some not so great advice), however they are very accessible and are willing to help at all times. |
| * Safety: |
I found Florence to feel very safe as long as you are smart. I was always aware, yet I felt that out of most European cities I have visited, this is probably the safest I have felt walking around as a woman at night. Definitely still be cautious and always walk with someone anyway! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Florence is the perfect middle ground between small town and big city. It has so much culture and history and amazing art. It was small enough that I felt connected to it but large enough that I felt like there was always something new to explore. |
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) |
I found Florence to be wayyy cheaper than my home city and my college town. The food specifically. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Probably $200. Maybe less. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Go to thrift stores! Shopping at Zara isn’t what you’re there for anyway. You can find such amazing things at thrift stores that are so much more unique and cheaper much of the time!! |
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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | For Italian, none. |
| 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? | Talk to locals!! Ask them questions! |
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? | It is okay to feel uncomfortable and move out of your comfort zone. Also go to Oltrarno more! So many cool places over the bridge. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
