It was an eye-opening and humbling experience that changed my life. Past Review

By (Business Administration, Illinois State University) - abroad from 08/28/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

Lorenzo de’ Medici – Tuscania

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew up a lot and matured. I learned from the Italians along with the other Americans that I studied with. It was all worthwhile, mostly traveling.

Review Photos

Lorenzo de' Medici - Tuscania: Tuscania - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Lorenzo de' Medici - Tuscania: Tuscania - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Lorenzo de' Medici - Tuscania: Tuscania - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any experience with healthcare.

* Safety:

I felt safe in my host city. I never felt unsafe.

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? Around 30 euros each week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I used the meal vouchers that the school would give me, which covered for 4 meals a week.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Beginner Italian. I think 112 at Illinois State.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak whenever you have the chance and do not be afraid to!

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Traveling
  • Being in a new culture
  • The food!
* What could be improved?
  • Room arrangements in housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I took more Italian classes before going to Tuscania. I think that I would have had a way better experience if I knew the language so that I could communicate with more people.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!