Tales of a College Girl Nothing Takes Italy: The good, the bad, the ugly and the life changing! Past Review
By Nicole H (Journalism-Visual Communications, Illinois State University) for
Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence
Yes! Studying abroad made me more independent, confident, and made me a traveler!
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. |
The length of classes was a little difficult to adjust to. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Amazing staff. They were very helpful, friendly, and caring. Able to answer every question I had throughout the semester! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Loved my roommates aside from one of them. I was very happy that my roommate attended ISU as well. We got along so well and will be friends for a lifetime! Our apartment was recently renovated and included all new appliances. |
| * Food: |
The food is amazing and always very very fresh. But, it's the 4P's, pizza, pasta, panini, and pastries. If you find yourself longing for something else try Tijuana for mexican food and Mama's Bakery for amazing American bakery goods and sandwiches! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The field trips I took with LdM were AMAZING. They were well organized and not only offered learning and fun but exposed me to places/things I never would have thought of! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I once had to accompany my roommate to the ER for a minor problem. Their ER is a little different than the ones we are used to. There is a waiting room but no desk. Just a waiting room and a door. Well little did we know you have to go up to the door and ring the doorbell to be helped. Who knew?! |
| 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? | would say I spent about $4000 during my 4 months there. Keep in mind this also included travel. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not go into this blindly. DO some research on travel and estimate about how much you are going to spend. I did no research and honestly thought I could get away with only spending 500 dollars per month haha I could not have been more wrong. Plan ahead! |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
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 |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* 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? | Get out of your comfort zone as soon as possible! It is tough but so so so worth it! |
