Teachers were involved with students and more friendly Past Review

By (Applied Psychology/Human Development, SUNY - Binghamton) for

Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I never had a more fabulous experience. The people I met are going to be lifetime friends. It was a true test to myself and if I could I would do it over and over again.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt that the professors and classes I took were wonderful and really challenged me to see a different perspective on life and what school can offer.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I have never had a better experience in my life. The administration was always accommodating.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartment style with two other girls. It was a family run hotel, called Residence La Contessina, on the block of my school. The family was always very very accommodating. Someone came to clean weekly. It was very enjoyable experience. <br /><br /> Safe security, clean, very accomodating,

* Food:

Amazing food, portion size really showed how to control and balance a meal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

School provided us with a great amount of information on social events occuring in the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Always felt safe in Florence and well protected.

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? To go away for a weekend costs between 200-300 euro, and than whatever you choose to do or eat, so for a week you can be looking at 500-700 euro if you travel, if not than 300 euro.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Traveling each weekend costs a lot of money.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

Speaking to locals in Italian helped me improve my language a lot.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Live, learn, and love everyday.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Intermediate Italian

Course Department: Ital 202 F
Instructor: Daniela Zanioni
Instruction Language: Italian
Comments: Challenging, only spoke in Italian, however gained so much from only speaking in this language in the classroom.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

The Science of Food and Wine

Course Department: NUH 249
Instructor: Annalisa Nardi
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Taught me so much about the Italian cuisine and how to have a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Credit Transfer Issues: No, however I am wondering if this class because it was a science class could count as a science elective?
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Art History

Course Department: Art 180 F section, 103
Instructor: Lucia Giardino
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Amazing course. Going to museums and seeing the art in person truly made the class and learning experience delightful and an amazing experience.
Credit Transfer Issues: Highly recommend this course to those studying in Italy.
Course Name/Rating:

Foundation to Oil Painting

Course Department: PDM140 F
Instructor: Masha Steinberg
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Most challenging course I have ever had. I have never taken an art class before so it was so enjoyable.
Credit Transfer Issues: