Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The experience I had in Florence, Italy is undescribable. I had the BEST time of my life! Past Review

By (Communication, University of Kentucky) for

API (Academic Programs International): Florence - Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute (LDM)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to communicate with people of a different language and I learned how to be an adult. If I wanted something to happen, I would have to make it happen. You learn how to budget your money, react in scary situation, and be flexible if your travel arrangements did not work out.

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.

I did not think the workload was too much, but I did believe the attendance policy to be too strict.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our teachers were great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our housing apartment was idealistic.

* Food:

Food was very expensive, there needed to be a dining hall or meal plan for the students abroad.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Traveling around Europe was the best experience of my life. Amalfi Coast was my favorite trip abroad. It was breathe taking.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Florence throughout my entire stay until the last week we were there. There were six Africans shot throughout Florence, three of them being shot right outside my apartment by a white supremacist. The API program leaders did not send out any emails until after the shooting had already occurred. Classes were not canceled and I felt as if it was dangerous to be on the streets during this time. There was a lot of racial tension the last week being there.

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

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Everything. I wouldn't change one thing about the program
* What could be improved?
  • The attendance policy needs to be less strict. Students are having a hard time adjusting to the new country they are in. There are so many life experience going on aroudn them and if you missed more than 2 classes, you may fail the class.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take advantage of all the opportunity because it's over in a blink of an eye.