Florence: A Place to Remember Past Review
By Katherine S (Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology., Illinois State University) for
Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence
I loved being able to travel everywhere and see important places and monuments. I liked the program I was in, but if I was to do it again I would want to experience another place, another culture.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was reasonable. There was usually one major project, a paper, the midterm and final so it was important to do well on each thing. All the teachers spoke english, even though they may have struggled for some words every once in a while, they were easy to understand. Classes, besides Italian language, were only once a week for about two and a half hours or 5 hours if it was an art class. At first I liked having it once a week, still do, but that class time seems too long sometimes. Overall I like the set up, the teachers, and the material. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They seemed to always be available when needed. I was always able to get things done within a reasonable amount of time. I think the education here is good. It was new and interesting and I was kept busy. Some things were easy, some challenging, it depends. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The location of the apartment was really convenient. We were able to get to classes easily. Every place was within walking distance, which I really enjoyed. We did not have to buy cookware or sheets, just personal items and food for the most part. |
| * Food: |
There are many places that are great to dine at. I don't remember all the names, just where they are located. One place called Gusto Leo has great pizza and pasta for good prices. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had many field trips in each class including many inportant places here in the city. Fiesole was probably my favorite trip, especially with the sun setting while viewing the city from afar. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I didn't have any problems with safety, but it was easy to contact someone the would help me if there was a problem. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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? | Be prepared to spend money on food, clothing, and gifts. |
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? | none |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced the Itallian language when going out to restaurants and stores, in class, and with friends I met taking the same class. Most people spoke english and sometimes I forget to speak it to them when they speak my language, so I don't learn as much as I would if they didn't speak english. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Anyone would benefit from being in Florence, but especially people with an interest in fashion, art, and architecture. |
