Florence in the Fall Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All tests are given in essay or short answer form, which means it is vital to read the material and really retain information learned in class. Essay tests were some what exhausting and overwhelming to study for and take! On a positive note, If you really like the class, the material or if you learned a lot from lectures, then tests will be a breeze for you! Be advised that there is NO EXTRA CREDIT and little to no homework to help improve your grade, so don't under estimate the final or midterm exam. Study ahead of time so you can enjoy your last few weeks! Same goes for paper writing, procrastination while studying abroad is the number one culprit of poor grades in my opinion.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was fully furnished including sheets, towels and hand soap for the bathroom. It was a beautiful, new, and VERY little apartment. If there is something missing from you apartment just take the bus to IKEA or hit up the "1 Euro" stores around campus. My aprartment did not have an oven or a microwave! that made things challenging! Neighborhood felt pretty safe minus the homeless man dealing drugs out in front of our building EVERY SINGLE NIGHT! his name is "ganga guy!" he is harmless we think... Over all my housing situation was great! I learned a lot of things about myself and what i want in life, many of which came from the fact that my roommate unfortunately did not always treat me with respect. Communication was a serious issue throughout the semester and i was never actually told why i deserved to be treated the way I was, but in the end I made the best out of the situation and left Italy with some positive lessons and great memories from my time abroad. I wouldn't have changed a thing! :)

Italian food... oh how I miss you... p.s. I gained 12 pounds in 3 months!! EKK

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

LDM did a fine job at providing its students with opportunity and activities our side of classes to get active , involved and deepen their cultural experience! Way to go LDM

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

In Florence I felt very safe at night or during the day alone. However it is just like living in any other city you must be careful and keep your wits about you at all times even when your walking in a group.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Most everyone in Florence speaks English. Getting outside of the city you will find more Italian spoken in restaurants and stores however. practicing Italian was at times difficult in Florence because so many people wanted to practice their English with you. If you make an effort to only speak Italian you will get plenty of practice. If you don't speak any Italian at all you will have no problems getting around Florence. the experience is so much better if you use their language though.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans