Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My thoughts Past Review

By (BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES., Illinois State University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/13/2013 with

Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a better understanding about the world. Now I can relate when others speak about the countries I visited.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved studying abroad and the experience was definitely once in a life time. I would highly recommend everyone going. Personally, Florence was not for me. It wasn't what I expected the typical Italian city to look like; however, I am glad I studied in Florence. It has many great aspects like the close distance walking and easy travel getaways.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our adviser, Ambra, was awesome!! She always reached out to us even if we didn't need anything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved my apartment! Free air conditioning, heating, ticker blankets. Our sheets and towels were washed once a week for free as well. Grocery store two doors down and right by the night life. What more could you ask for?

* Food:

LOVE the food!!! I wish I could go back and eat pizza on the daily.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I could never tell who was Italian and who wasn't. It was hard to learn the language because I was surrounded by my English-speaking friends and everyone in the town spoke English as well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A I DID NOT USE THIS!!!!! AND I STILL HAD TO RANK IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

* Safety:

I didn't have a problem with it. It was like any other city you would visit. My friend did get mugged and punched, however.

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)

Luckily I saved up, so I was willing and able to splurge when I felt the need.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Food = 30 Euro each week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? SAVE YOUR MONEY before you go!

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? English is sufficient.

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
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Great people
* What could be improved?
  • HARD COURSES
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bank of America has free international debit card withdraws.

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.