Florence allowed me to come back a person that I only imagined I could become. Past Review
By Brandon G (Health Teacher Education., Illinois State University) for
Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence
Every penny spent and every moment awake was worth more than I could've imagined.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All the school led trips were fantastic, especially with my favorite tour guide, Luca. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Il Gato e La Volpe is one of the best restaurants in Florence for quality, price, and service. Right near Aqua al 2. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was the most amazing experience of my life. Never stop doing things and always be willing to have a good time. That's all you really need. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Florence is one of the safest cities I've ever been in, I was never once fearful for my safety. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I spent money way quicker than I expected. Euros can feel like monopoly money at times. Keep your spending in check by actually thinking about where you're spending your money. Restaurants can get very expensive if you eat out regularly. But overall, don't worry too much. This is a once in a lifetime chance. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke English but, like everyone says, you're more respected if you at least try. |
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?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be social, never stop. Do everything you can possibly do. Always remember how lucky you are. |
