The Most Beautiful Month Past Review
By Hailey Piemonte (University of Rhode Island) - abroad from 05/27/2019 to 06/28/2019 with
API (Academic Programs International): Florence - Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute (LDM)
Absolutely 100% worthwhile. I learned the language, the culture, learned to put my phone away and take it all in and that traveling is really my favorite thing.
Review Photos
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 was taught Italian 101 for a month. It was simple yet affective, really helped with everyday life in Florence |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Some of the best ladies I've ever met. Put their students before themselves in every situation, provided so much help and gave the best tours of every city. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not need health care, however the women of our program were always ready to point us in the right direction if needed. |
| * Safety: |
Just always be aware of your surroundings, a lot of people want to snatch your wallet. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The ladies of API Florence enhanced my experience without a doubt. The excursions planned, tours, etc. they really made sure we got our moneys worth. They really cared about the students and I still keep in touch with them to this day. |
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 definitely did spend more money than necessary because I was only there for a month. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50-80 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Get a reusable water bottle, a lot of money was spent on water |
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 |
Many people in Florence 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? | None |
| 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? | Practice in stores, read the menus in the host language |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Enjoy every single minute, wake up early and get a full day of exploring in |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
