API Florence Study Abroad Program immerses you in culture! Past Review
By Krista J (Studio Arts, University of Southern Maine) for
API (Academic Programs International): Florence - Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute (LDM)
My experience was more worthwhile that I could ever write to you. It is something I don't think it can easily be explained. Studying abroad opened my eyes and my heart. I understood the ideas and values of a different culture and gained so much more appreciation for the world outside of America. I already see myself going back to Europe to study and I can't wait to keep learning about this world and hope that whoever is reading this really considers taking the time to go abroad, because it is time for a lot of younger Americans to start opening their eyes.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The institution seemed pretty laid back. The work load was average, but the material was hands on and incorporated interesting teaching methods. We went on a lot of field trips and really were provided with plenty of travel opportunities throughout Florence and Italy. I felt like I received a great education not only in about Art, but also about the culture. I think some of the best differences were the teachers way of presenting material and not only provided us with information about the course but information about the Italian way of life. The teachers were extremely friendly and caring. It allowed for a great learning environment. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
API was unbelievable. The staff was kind, generous and always willing to help the students. They provided us with travel opportunities, cultural events, and pretty much anything to get you immersed into the Italian lifestyle. We went on excursions to Rome, Venice, Verona, Pisa, and Cinque Terre. The excursions included tours, free time, wine tastings, hotels, and even some of the meals. I felt totally free and able to explore each place. They gave us plenty of different opportunities never forcing you into something. We went to soccer games, cooking classes, social events. API was an unbelievable program. I enjoyed everything they provided us with and never felt pressured or unhappy with their way of presenting to us the Italian culture. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was the best part. The apartments were located right in the middle of Florence and in the middle of everything. My classes were right out the door as well as cafes, pizzerias and plenty of shops. The rooms inside were gorgeous. I was placed in a big apartment with 5 other girls and we had our very own terrace looking over parts of Florence, as well as our living room window having a direct view of the San Lorenzo Church and even views of the Duomo. I was able to walk everywhere and anywhere. Truly amazing. |
| * Food: |
The food in Italy is incomparable. The pasta dishes were unbelievable and so delicious. I also enjoyed the pizza, the sandwiches and red wine. Italy is your number one destination if your looking for a good meal. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Not to repeat myself, but we went to so many events. Soccer games, cooking classes, operas, concerts, excursions, field trips, walking tours. It was all so amazingly overwhelming. I felt totally immersed and satisfied with the Italian way of life. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The program directors were great with provided us with health services. They were always on call, and constantly reminding us of the help provided here. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The program provided plenty of free tutoring for Italian, also plenty of course options, including the required Beginning Italian course, which was very helpful. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Studying abroad in Florence changed my life. I sit here writing about it 2 months after coming home and truly can't believe how much I still miss it. I was living the dream for those 3 and half months in Europe. I traveled to amazing new places all the way from Oktoberfest in Germany to Skiing in Interlaken Switzerland and everything in between. Not to mention the amount of travel and experience I gained just being in Italy. I could have imagined a better time then the one I had in Florence. It was the best thing that ever happen to me and I'm already looking forward to going back. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Florence Sketchbook |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Justin Thompson |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This course was great! It allowed students to draw in different places and historical sites around the city. I felt like I got to see so much of the city just being in the class. The churches, museums, the sites, everything was fascinating and great inspiration for artists. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
