Florence was indescribable Past Review
By Kelly q (Elementary Education, Illinois State University) for
Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence
This experience has completed changed my perspective and outlook on life. I got the desire to travel more now and experience other cultures. I feel as if any task can be completed and the experience itself is hard to explain to others because it was an incredible and shocking experience.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system is very different than American schools. There are minimal assignments given, which allows the mid term and finals to be waited heavily. There were also papers and reading that most would keep up with, but it was challenging. It was also difficult to utilize the libraries because they were closed during weekends, closed by 6 on weekdays, and you were not able to check out with any materials. The best thing about the workload in Italy, however, was that (depending on what class) you were able to experience the information first hand because you were learning about things that were apart of the city. It was neat being able to receive knowledge and then go out and experience and see it right in front of you. It was also neat learning a language and then going out and applying it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The advisers at LDM were the most helpful and the nicest people. They would help you with the smallest problem, and would reach out to you even without asking. They made sure that your time here would be great and I formed a very good relationship with my adviser. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
In our apartment, everything was provided for us from every kitchen appliance to entertainment systems and cooking and cleaning necessities. The apartments were very nice, even though ours was a good 25 minute walk to class. However, I enjoyed being far away because we were able to experience the Italian life away from tourists. |
| * Food: |
Food was very good. Avoid all tourist places because they overcharge you. The best places are the ones with locals. Always be flexible and the place that's hidden along the street might actually be one of the best food places you went to. Don't be afraid to try new foods because it can always surprise you. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Every day was different in Florence, and that is what made it so much more entertaining. There was never a dull moment. Besides traveling with your friends to various parts of the world, the school provided activities for people who stayed home for the weekend. There were soccer games, chocolate tastings, wine tastings, clubs, volunteer activities, and a lot more. There was always different places to explore and different people to meet. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Overall, the city was safe and there was always somewhere to turn to or someone to contact if you felt unsafe. Health care was accessible and my adviser made sure that everything was okay multiple times. It was the same type of system at home. |
| 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? | Always keep in mind the money conversions. For me, spending 10 euro doesn't mean 10 American dollars. The school prepared me for the amount of money you would spend, which allowed people to be aware of their spendings. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
In Florence, most people spoke English, however there were many areas where they spoke only Italian and you needed to remember the words you recently learned. It was very easy to pick up on the basic Italian terms that you needed to use daily. Having Italian class twice a week was also beneficial to learn the language quicker or more easier. |
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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