Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Italy was a once in a life time experience. Past Review

By (Elementary Education, University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 08/24/2013 to 12/14/2013 with

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?
It was definitely worthwhile. I am so happy I went abroad. It is an experience that I will never be able to have again. I encourage everyone to jump on the opportunity.

Review Photos

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

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 had to go to class, but I didn't get hours of homework. It was the perfect medium. I still had time to experience Italy's culture and travel.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The API ladies were AWESOME! They were very helpful and they were there if we ever needed them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a beautiful apartment. My roommates and I felt blessed to live there. It was perfect.

* Food:

I didn't have a meal plan, but the food in Italy was out of control.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were a lot of Americans in Florence, Italy. You could get away from the Americans by going to the other side of the river to places that were "off the map."

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I have to get allergy shots every month. I thought that this was going to become a problem in Italy, but everyone there was very accommodating.

* Safety:

I felt very safe and had no problems with 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)

1. It was hard. I spent $6,500 that semester.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $6,500 total.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go spending crazy the first three weeks.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

4.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had taken Spanish in high school.
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? Download an app to practice the language on your phone!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Good roommate placements
  • Helpful
  • Organized
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I planned my trips to other countries once I got to Italy. The longer you want to plan your trips, the higher the prices get.

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 Urbanite
A 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.