Past Review
By Jacqueline L (Early Childhood Education, University of Hartford) for
API (Academic Programs International): Florence - Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute (LDM)
There is no other opportunity that can teach you so much, help you grow more than you can imagine, give you experiences that make you make decisions on your own, and most of all let you learn so much about yourself.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was right in the center of Florence. I loved it. |
| * Food: |
The food is so fresh in Italy. We did make a good amount of meals at home. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
In my program, many people came with a group that they already knew from home or college. This made it really hard to find people who wanted to make new friends, because they were already satisfied with theirs. And everyone travels in smaller groups on the weekends so it is hard to get to know people really well, aside from the people you live with. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Food was cheaper than I expected, since I ate in as much as possible. EVen if you eat out, you can do it in under 10euro (but that's around $15!!) Definitely keep in mind the exchange rate, because you're going to spend more dollars than euro, however that doesn't mean that things in Europe are cheaper. They will for the most part be the same price, but in Euro it is more expensive. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Since I was in an apartment with American students, we didn't speak any Italian at home. However, I went knowing nothing and can understand enough to get by and understand people. |
Other Program Information
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | There is no other opportunity that can teach you so much, help you grow more than you can imagine, give you experiences that make you make decisions on your own, and most of all let you learn so much about yourself. You will come back a changed person- and you will know it. I know I am. |
