TAKE ME BACK! Past Review

By (Illinois State University) - abroad from 08/27/2012 to 12/15/2012 with

Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to make decisions, cook, live on my own. Basically, I learned how to grow up. It was definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

Lorenzo de' Medici - Florence: Florence - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Lorenzo de' Medici - Florence: Florence - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Lorenzo de' Medici - Florence: Florence - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Lorenzo de' Medici - Florence: Florence - Direct Enrollment & Exchange 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.

* 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?

Too many tourists!!!!!!!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Take care of your belongings!! My friend had her "friends" over and someone stole her Macbook Pro, IPhone, and wallet.

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)

It was difficult to budget when you want to travel everywhere. Keep track of how much you spend.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? €25
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out too much.

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
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? Talk to the people who reside there.

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

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Travel
  • Friends
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Housing with non-ISU students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Most classes costed me a lot more money than expected for school supplies. That was not included in my budget. Nearly €300.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.