BEST.TIME.EVER. (How I met your mother reference, I find it appropriate) Past Review
By Neslihan K (Political Science and Government., Illinois State University) for
Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence
It was the best time ever and I can't wait to travel again. I loved everyone I met and I will forever have those memories.
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 loved all my teachers, my assignments, the workload amount was just right, and the host university was very good. Except, I did not like how they did not accept late work, that would have been helpful. My professors were so much fun and I honestly learned so much in my classes, what I learned there even helps me here! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
MOST HELPFUL AND SWEET FACULTY! Always available and working on fixing problems and answering questions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Such a cozy place! |
| * Food: |
We got fat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everything was amazing. Too much to go into detail. The day is snowed all of Florence had a huge snowball fight, it didn't matter who you were, if you knew each other or anything, everyone made snowmen and had snowball fights and just enjoyed life. Amazing. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt pretty safe most of the time. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Too much. about 40 euro a week on groceries and about 30 on out to eat a week and a good amount on booze. I would say you need about $1,200 per month you are there to be comfortable. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | MY FOOT BREAKING! It cost me about 500-600 euro between meds and mainly taxis- those cost me like 400 euro alone. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | N |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I talked to every Italian I could find. |
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? | carry pepper spray, don't walk alone-it's not a joke, make sure you have your money in a safe spot and enjoy every bit of culture, traveling, food and beverage you can. don't miss out on any opportunities! |
