Study Abroad in Florence was life changing, I came back a better person Past Review
By Colleen S (Mass Media Management, Illinois State University) for
Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence
I am more cultured, and experienced. I learned so much from just the little things that happen everyday, I went outside my comfort zone and experienced some things people only dream of experiencing.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The education was easier abroad |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The lessons were about the same, they were more interactive in my host country rather than at school in the U.S. My expectations were met, I thought the size was adequate and met some nice people. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It took too long for us to get internet in our apartment, other than that, no complaints |
| * Food: |
It was hard to find exactly what you wanted, but we managed |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt safe in Florence, I knew coming into it to be safe, respectful and take all safety precautions. You just have to be smart and you will be fine. |
| 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? | $100 euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | take out a lot of euro all at once. Dont eat out too much cause you waste so much money, eat at home whenever possible. Don't go shopping for clothes because you can waste a lot of money. |
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? | Elementary |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Locals, teachers, friends....most people spoke english however |
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? | It takes a certain type of person to study abroad, not everyone can do it. If you are adventurous then put yourself out there and do it. |
