The most amazing experience!! Past Review

By (University of Rhode Island) - abroad from 05/28/2019 to 06/28/2019 with

API (Academic Programs International): Three Cities - Lorenzo de'Medici - The Italian International Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to become a lot more independent and became more culturally aware.

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.

This program was amazing! I learned so much about myself and the Italian culture. I also met so many people! The women in charge of this program were always helpful and there for students. API took us on so many great excursions that included tours, tickets and hotel stays. I would do anything to be able to go back!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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?

* Safety:

The people in charge of this program were always there for us with anything we needed. When I had to return to America I was having trouble getting a taxi and was so close to missing my flight. The women in charge of the program stayed on the phone with me and helped me to get a taxi and make my flight on time.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved everything about this program. The people, the excursions, the education and the food!

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? around 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook at home sometimes it saves alot!

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

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 took 5 years of spanish in highschool
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? Don't be afraid to try and use it!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Excursions
  • The people
  • My apartment
* What could be improved?
  • Having students live closer to each other
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to budget a little better.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A 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.