McKenzie in Florence Past Review
By McKenzie K (Special Education, Illinois State University) for
Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence
I feel more confident and ready to take on new experiences. I have an appreciation of time, people and opportunities. I gained a sense of maturity and self-reliance.
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 grading system was similar to the American grading systems I am familiar with. The workload was smaller and less intense. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I liked that we were informed about safety precautions for countries we may have been considering traveling to. Also, my advisor was readily available and attentive. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I always felt safe in my neighborhood, it was in a busy populated area; very close to the nightlife. It was also near a grocery store, and several great restaurants; a really close walk to the Duomo, the central park of the city. My apartment came "furnished", but I had to make several purchases to feel comfortable. |
| * Food: |
Stay away from the restaurants near the Duomo, they are generally average and overpriced. Buy food at the grocery store and make meals at home. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Unfortunately I was unable to attend the field trips provided by my program, but I heard good things. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Florence. There were plenty of people on the streets, so I rarely felt vulnerable or uncomfortable. |
| 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? | ~60 Euro a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy groceries and use your home kitchen, constantly eating out is expensive. |
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? |
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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?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Studying abroad is what you make of it; don't be shy, and make the most of every opportunity. |
