Italy: Food is good. Past Review
By Charlotte T (Criminal Justice and Corrections., Saint Anselm College) for
API (Academic Programs International): Florence - Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute (LDM)
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile, but instead of appreciating the rest of the world more it actually made me appreciate what I have at home more. I was always previously wanting to travel, travel, travel...and that's great and I do recommend that everyone travels at one point in their lives...but I realized that what I wanted the most was always right in front of me.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
school work was by far easier then being abroad, but this allowed for more traveling and less stress from school work |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Not only did the API group help me in any question I ever had, but they always offered me information I never expected or asked for which was an enormous help. It is not an exaggeration to say they were willing to do anything for me to help improve my experience abroad. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My neighborhood wasn't the safest but I did appreciate being so close to the center of the city. I also liked that we didn't have to buy a lot things for the apartment, it was already very well furnished. |
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I LOVED every excursion API took us on! I even visited a few of them again with my family. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Safety is always hard in a city but my program was helpful in ensuring that we felt comfortable. I used the emergency room facilities and Portugal which was not the best experience, but under the circumstances they helped me get better. API was also very helpful in giving me everything I needed for paperwork afterwards. |
| 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It depends-traveling is more expensive because of meals. I would suggest eating from the grocery store whenever possible. I spent probably around 50-100 dollars a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | internet, medical services, books |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
For the most part almost all shopkeepers in Florence know English, but it made me feel more comfortable when I was able to speak to them in Italian. I could practice with almost anyone, and my study abroad program offered the opportunity to come in and practice Italian in their offices which was very helpful. |
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 |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I definitely suggest this program! Not only is it well structured and includes many GREAT excursions, but the staff is simply phenomenal, something you definitely need being away from home and family. |
