Scuola Lorenze de Medici was a great experience! Past Review
By Michelle G (Graphic Design, Maryland Institute College of Art) for
Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence
I loved studying abroad in Florence. I gained a lot of confidence when I was in Italy because I constantly had to put myself out there in order to learn or interact with other people. I was able to meet many local Italians and I definitely benefited from experiencing the Italian mentality toward life. Italians, at least to me, care more about people than work. Family and friendship win over everything, yet they are still able to be successful too. I learned that I had been running on auto pilot in the U.S. as a designer, and I had stopped doing things I was passionate about. Florence allowed me to figure out exactly what I want to do in life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I thought the work load was appropriate at this study abroad program. Courses were more focused on having us actually experience the city hands on than learning facts from a book. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The host program advisor was always available and helpful when problems arose. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment with four other american students from across the country. One of my roommates was an Italian major, so we spoke Italian together on a regular basis. My apartment was within a 5 minute walk from my classes, and had everything we needed to live already supplied to us. The landlord was very friendly and helpful, and always arrived promptly when problems arose. |
| * Food: |
Florentine food is delicious! I would recommend students stay away from the areas of high tourist traffic because the food is less authentic ( and less delicious). Buy groceries from the central market, and go to the tiny restaurants and trattoria's down the back alleys - they have the best food! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My school offered many clubs and cultural outings to become more versed in Italian culture. Weekend trips were sponsored by teachers at the school. I went on a weekend trip to Carnivale in Venice, and was able to see and learn a lot about Venice. Furthermore, I was a member of the wine tasting club, where we sampled and learned about Italian wine and olive oil. I also participated in field trips with classes to local stores to talk to their owners, as well as to bigger design studios. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Florence. While in the city I came down with a few colds and completely lost my voice at one point, and i found it relatively easy to get medicine and advice for my colds, and at a fair price too - All of the medicine I bought in Florence was pretty cheap. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I was placed in an intermediate Italian class while in Florence that met twice a week and focused on speaking and cultural norms. I used Italian everyday, but it isn't required in most of the city because Florentines are used to english students and visitors coming into the city. |
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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I think a student that sought to really learn about Italian culture would benefit from this program. Most of the classes are specifically focused on learning about Florentine culture and history. The program is especially nice for design students because there is a pretty nice facility, and the faculty is pretty good too. |
