Indescribable Past Review

By (Graphic Design., University of Wisconsin - Stout) - abroad from 01/24/2012 to 05/12/2012 with

Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to enjoy everything and live in the moment, it was by far the most life changing experience I will ever have.

Review Photos

Direct Enrollment: Florence - Lorenzo de' Medici - The Italian International Institute Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall the courses were informational and well taught, except the Graphic Design class I took was not at in-depth as expected.

* 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?

The healthcare I received through UW-Stout was so helpful. I unfortunately received Mono during my time abroad and although it consisted of many trips to the doctors they were very helpful and accommodating for me. I did make sure to keep all receipts for everything I paid for, from the pharmacy and tests, and mailed it all in to the insurance company once home and they covered all of the costs!

* Safety:

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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* 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? Depending on traveling or not about 100 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up before you go and take advantage of student discounts that many businesses have to offer.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Try to use it daily with the locals.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* 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?
  • Location
  • Amount of class hours
* What could be improved?
  • Attendance Policy
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Everything works out in the end and just go with the flow and enjoy everything each day at a time.