Past Review
By Jaclyn L (Communications-PR, University of Hartford) for
API (Academic Programs International): Florence - Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute (LDM)
YES! I would not want to have had any different experience. I learned so many new skills that will carry with me throughout my life. I want to go back to Europe ASAP!
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Lorenzo de' Medici |
| 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. |
I found that the American educational system is more challenging and the teachers are more engaged and available to the students. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I loved the administration and they knew all the information any student could need! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
2 of my roommates spoke Italian so it helped us learn the language better. We did not need to buy any items for our apartment just food. We would have liked an oven |
| * Food: |
LOVE ITALIAN FOOD!! I never had a bad experience |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We took amazing trips with my program. We went to a wine tasting and thermal spas which were both amazing. API definetly took care of us |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Florence is extremely safe and I always felt safe walking alone. I never had an experience with healthcare but my friends did and all had a good experience. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $1000 each month. We were always buying our own food and therefore spent more money |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would say not to worry about money! It is better to enjoy the food and wine then not eat/drink it because of money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I learned Italian and was able to speak what I learned on the streets. I was always able to use it |
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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student who does not have much experience with other cultures in other countries. This program is for a student who wants to gain a valuable experience with less technology, new languages, and new friends. |
