Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Most amasing experience of my life. Past Review

By (Marketing, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/24/2015 to 05/16/2015 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?
To many things to put in a paragraph.

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.

Not only did I learn a lot in my classes became so much more culturally diverse.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was very helpfull.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I did not do a food program through the school. The food in Florance was amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a cold and easily got medicine for it.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Florance

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)

I save a lot for this experience.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around 250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When you think you have enough try and save a little more for emergencies and always have some cash on you.

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

Most people in Florance spoke English.

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 did not complete one.
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? Try and learn some of the language before you go.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Learning other culturs
  • Trying new foods
  • Experence other peoples holidays
* What could be improved?
  • class credit transfers
  • communications to the states
  • choosing who you live with
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had go with a friend from home.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.