Florence a beautiful city to see Past Review
By Lisa D (TV Production, Illinois State University) for
Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence
I thought it was a great experience. If I had more money I would have traveled more while I was there. The school was great overall and I got to meat some new and interesting people. If you do decide to go there make sure you take a cooking class, you might as well take home a little piece of Italy back home with you.
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. |
The tests were based mainly on essays which is different from my home university. There was a lack of focus on what the exams covered for each test. You could cover anything from about 10 chapters and several pages of supplemental reading. I didn't like that. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The school threw several events during the semester for students to take part in local activities like making gelato and going to football games. They definitely wanted the students to enjoy their stay in Florence. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
They warned us about walking alone at night and the problem with pick pockets. They gave us the information about hospitals that spoke English and gave various tips on being safe in the city. |
| 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? | I don't know exactly but at least $50.00-100.00 per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Please take as much money with you as you can, somewhere around $5,000 because if you plan to travel and go out your money will go fast. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | never had a course in italian before leaving for study abroad |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke english and there were plenty of people who would help you if you were struggling to learn the language. |
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?
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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? | I would say make sure you have enough money with you when you leave otherwise you will be calling home for more. I would also say if you want the opportunity to travel to other European cities then this is a great place to go. The advisor staff here is also top notch. |
