Florence was the best semester! Past Review

By (Mass Media and Art, Illinois State University) for

Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot abroad and will never be able to look at the world the same but in a great way!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There is a lot of work. You are still in school, even if it doesnt feel that way. Most courses are based off midterms and finals with a few papers or one big one at the end.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Most housing that my friends had was great. My apartment was a joke everything broke or was broken and we had no living space. I should hve complained but didnt know I could till I felt it was to late. On the up side the location was great but really there are few places that have bad locations.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It was extremely safe!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent A LOT!! so save up! but it was so worth it. I traveled as much as I could.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If the Euro is at a good rate take out a lot.

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? o
Language acquisition improvement?

Yes and no, a lot of people spoke english but you should try and learn Italian.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

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  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? EVERYONE! Florence has it all and it is such a great city to study in.