Florence-I want to go back! Past Review
By Erin L (Elementary Education, Illinois State University) for
Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence
I came back a different person with a better sense of the larger world culture as well as independence.
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 |
Our advisor as well as everyone at LDM was wonderful! They were always there for the students and wanted to make sure we had the best experience possible while abroad. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We had some issues with the internet upon arrival, but our apartment was wonderful! |
| * 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: |
The orientation really helped put a perspective on safety in Florence and allowed me to feel more comfortable and aware of the city's safety. |
| 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Come into the country with Euros on hand. I didn't expect how expensive would be such as cab rides to the airport (they charge you more if you have an early morning flight) as well as expenses to use the bathroom. I cooked a lot at home and was able to save a lot of money that way. Many restaurants also charge a cuperto, which is like a charge just to sit down and eat. |
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? | 200 Level Education Courses |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people speak English, so my Italian use was minimized to the classroom and academic experiences. On a few occasions, I also used minimal Italian at restaurants and other local places. |
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? | This program is great for ANY student. Explore the other side of the Arno and get away from the Americanized parts of Florence. The best experiences are the ones that are truly authentic and spent with true Italians. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Introduction to Italian |
| Course Department: | ITL 151 |
| Instructor: | Maurizio |
| Instruction Language: | |
| Comments: | |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
