Take Me Back!! Past Review

By Krista V (Marketing, University of Wisconsin - River Falls) - abroad from 08/25/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It was a blast! I was lucky enough to have an internship there which helped me extremely! The culture and the lad back ease of life I miss as well as people just assume the best in others over there. It was great meeting friends too because everyone is in the same boat, either you mingle or you are alone. But don't be afraid to go off on your own, some of my favorite memories are when I was wandering a city alone!

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.	API was amazing! The Italian side of the company was very resourceful and helpful, the U.S. side however could use some work.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Italian law is that you have to be quiet after 10:30 p.m. I lived with 8 girls that wasn't a possibility and we got in trouble often even when we were trying to be quiet.
* Food:	The cafe on campus was fine but if they'd have more options that would be nice.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I did most of this on my own not through the program.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Guys are stupid any where in the world. Just be smart and never walk alone at night or in creepy alleyways.
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)	Very expensive, many people who go over have a very flexible budget. If you are able to take out an extra loan I'd recommend it just for peace of mind because ATM costs are insane
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	150+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Bring as much in Euros at the beginning as you can, as stated previously the ATM fees and card fees are crazy. Also most places don't take cards.

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?	Spanish 202
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?	Speak as often as you can, Duellingo is a great app to help!

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	Other
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?	The people Excursions
* What could be improved?	The Food The college, LdM is awful
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	That you will grow and become a different person, even if you thought you wouldn't change. Enjoy the crazy fun ride!!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Global Business and SOciety
Course Department:	Marketing/Business Admin.
Instructor:	Rossana Ungaro
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	If you are looking for an exciting interesting class, do not take this one. The material is interesting and Rossana is an amazing person however the class is super boring and you just want to fall asleep, also the exams are intense and aren't on what she taught half the time.
Credit Transfer Issues:	N/A