Esploriamo Firenze! Past Review

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Syracuse University: Florence - Syracuse University in Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely! I really really enjoyed my study abroad experience in Florence! I think that I definitely changed as a person and I feel as if I may have a new academic approach this coming fall as well. It was also an experience to live with a different family and eat different food, meet different people, and explore the city. I was really excited when I started to really understand what people were saying on the street!

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.

I think that the educational system was not really so different because classes were conducted in English (aside from Italian) so there weren't really different grading or evaluation systems per say.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I think the program did an excellent job of managing support and accessibility.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host parents were great! They had 10 or more years of hosting experience and so my roommate and I were not exactly treated as guests but as members included in the larger context of the family.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My art history class took many day trips and even a weekend trip to Urbino, Arezzo, Montepulciano, and Rimini. It was amazing to see the actual artwork and its context.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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
Language acquisition improvement?

While most of the students did speak English and there were many other study abroad students in Florence, I had the opportunity to speak in Italian with shopkeepers and my host family and their friends and family.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think it is very important to have an interest in the particular culture of the country, to accept the differences and enjoy the unique aspect of your current situation. I think students who are interesting in exploring and really getting to know their city/area/ country and culture will be rewarded with many insightful discoveries and unforgettable experiences.