Studying abroad in Italy was an amazing once in a life time opportunity! Past Review
By Catherine A (Speech Pathology, Illinois State University) for
Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence
I feel that after this experience, I have matured so much. Before I always relied on other people to help me do things, and now I know I can do it on my own! I have become more independent. I also feel that I have learned so much, because what I was learning in class I would see first hand. Studying abroad as made me realize that there is a completely different world out there apart from the United States! The next chance I get to go back I am going to take it! I loved my experience so much!
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. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I thought my advisor was very nice and helpful! Whenever I had a question she was always willing to help me out! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really enjoyed the trips we cook with my program! We did the under the Tuscan Sun and the Capri, Pompeii, and Sorrento trips. Both beautiful places to go to! I had a lot of fun! I went to a Soccer game in Florence that was cool to go to! I went to many places throughout Europe such as Prague, Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Paris, Ireland, and all over Italy! I recommend to travel a lot because I was so pleased with all the places I went to. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I never had a problem with being sick while I was away. But I know some friends that were sick and they were able to receive proper medicine and treatment! |
| 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? | It depends on what I was doing. If I was away traveling, I spent about 100+ dollars each week I would say! Depending on what I was doing or where I was going. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | My advice is to save your money for traveling! I did not to much clothes shopping because I new I could just get clothes when I came home! |
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 had never taken Italian before going to Italy. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I would practice with people in my class, or friends I made. I would use Italian now and again, however a lot of people in Florence spoke English. |
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? | I really liked my program a lot! It was very helpful, and they were always there if I needed them. |
