I had the best experience of my life in Florence, Italy Past Review
By Sarah J (Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication., Illinois State University) for
Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence
My study abroad experience was absolutely worthwhile. I had the best experience of my life while abroad, and I learned so much about myself and about other cultures.
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 |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was extremely happy with my entire housing situation. My apartment came fully furnished and we were provided with everything we needed. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Discovering Florence events were great opportunities. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe. Future students should be sure to walk in pairs at night. |
| 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? | Average of 50 euro per week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make a budget and stick to it. |
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? | I took one semester of language prior to departure |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Everyone spoke English, so I wasn't able to practice the Italian language as much as I would have liked. |
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? | This program is perfect for anyone who wants to have a fun, exciting semester, make a lot of friends, and learn a lot about Italian culture. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
The Food of Italy |
| Course Department: | NUH 160F |
| Instructor: | Milva Porfidio |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Milva was extremely knowledgeable and well-prepared. This was my favorite class and I learned more and participated more than I did in any other class. I would recommend this instructor and class to anyone who wants to learn more about the regions and foods of Italy. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Body Language and Communication Techniques |
| Course Department: | COM 250F |
| Instructor: | Elia Nichols |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | I did not learn anything of value in this course. The instructor taught acting and theater techniques throughout the semester and forced each student to perform strange exercises individually in front of the entire class on a regular basis, which made most people very uncomfortable. I would never recommend this course to anyone. |
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