Florence: Food, Friends and Fun Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 01/25/2012 to 05/11/2012 with

Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worthwhile. I feel as though I matured and learned so much. I chose Italy because I am into cooking, food and wine and I am very pleased with my decision.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Lorenzo de'Medici Florence Italy
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.

* 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:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

the euro transfer is extremely expensive. difficult to fully emerge yourself on a budget.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? average 250/week

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? Beginner
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? ITL201
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Florence is a very touristy place. therefore, if you try to speak Italian, then they will respond in English. If you want to fully emerge yourself into a language, go somewhere less touristy

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
  • International Students
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?
  • Food, traveling, and architechture, clothing
* What could be improved?
  • try and get more than 3 roommates. I only had one, and it took me a while to make friends because everyone else had at least 5
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive it would be (but well worth it)