Florence Taught Me To Be Me. Past Review
By Catriona C (B.A in Music, University of Hartford) for
API (Academic Programs International): Florence - Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute (LDM)
It was absolutely worthwhile! It was honestly the best experience of my life, thus far! I wish I could do it over again 10 more times, and hopefully I will have the opportunity to go abroad again, now that one of my favorite things to do is travel!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was a lot less throughout the semester; however much more importance was placed on the midterm and the final, so it made it a little difficult to tell how you were doing in the class because we weren't quizzed as often. However I loved the class schedule! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everybody was really knowledgeable and helpful! They were always ready to answer questions, and even if they didn't know the answer, they would find it out for you. They helped with everything, from school to housing to roommate problems to anything! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I really liked where I lived. It was about a 10 minute walk to the main school building, and only about a 3 minute walk to one of the other buildings where I had class. It was about a 6 minute walk from the library and printing center. It was a little far away from most of the nightlife, maybe about a 15-20 minute walk but it honestly wasn't that bad. We bought a few kitchen appliances and some blankets, but mostly everything was provided for us. |
| * Food: |
Try as many different restaurants as possible, and as your budget can afford! You're only abroad once! And also try those "hole in the wall" places; they tend to be the best! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
EVERYTHING was wonderful! I visited 7 different countries in one semester! I was doing something in Italy or traveling elsewhere every weekend. I can't even believe I saw the sights that I did. I LOVED Vatican city! I also LOVED Amsterdam and Dublin! AMAZING! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe walking around Florence! I never felt nervous or anything! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Can't think of any at this time. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke English, and all our classes were in English. However, I tried to speak Italian as often as I could when I went out to bars, or restaurants or other places. |
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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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Quarters of Florence |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Marcello Bellini |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | I loved this class! It taught us about the history of Florence. During the first hour of class, we would be in the classroom having a lecture and taking notes. Then during the second part of class, we would take a field trip into the city to actually see first hand what we were just taking notes on. Everything was very hands on, and I loved it! Also the teacher was amazing! Not only was he very passionate about teaching and Florence, he's hilarious and made learning about history fun! |
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