Best experience of my life, so far. Past Review
By Hayley M (Illinois State University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/14/2012 with
Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence
I grew up a lot. Learned so much about other places and cultures. Met friends from other countries like the netherlands and england. learned how to live on my own in another country.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Two of the teachers I had were absolutely unfit to even be teaching us. My art teacher was the meanest teacher I have ever encountered in my education career. The classes were extremely difficult and time consuming. Even more time consuming then courses here at ISU. The experience was great, but the classes were definitely disappointing. The printing facilities were helpful. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was very uneven. Some people got great apartments, and some got absolutely terrible ones. Needs to be more even. |
| * Food: |
Awesome food, loved every second of it. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The health care was easily accessible. |
| * Safety: |
Very safe. |
| 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | the price varied, but I spent 5,000 US while i was overseas. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | NEED to bring between 4,000 5,000US for spending money if you want to travel and be able to eat out and enjoy yourself. The more you have saved the easier it will be. |
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 |
In italian class we had to try and speak in italian. |
| 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 |
| 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? | Take the language course here first. I took the 6 credit italian to get rid of my gen ed requirement and it was extremely hard for me. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Nothing, I was pretty informed when I went. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
