LDM Tuscania- The Authentic Italian Experience Past Review
By Michael K (FInance/Business Adminstration, Illinois State University) for
Lorenzo de’ Medici – Tuscania
Absolutely. I gained global perspective, and an entirely new skill and knowledge set which I am confident will set me apart for the rest of my life.
Review Photos
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 workload while abroad was very manageable. The teachers were all very qualified for their positions, and were for the most part, appeared to make a conscious effort to maintain class interest. The teachers lectured for the duration of the class, which was a difficult adjustment, but a norm in the European school of education. Tests were written much the same as those I am accustomed to, although it was difficult to interpret some, as the instructors appeared to struggle with writing in English. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very effective, easy to communicate with quickly, and well-informed. The only issue I felt I was not well-prepared for was the process of Visa application. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a single apartment, which was exceptional encouragement to speak the language outside of school. It also provided me with the space and time to practice the topics discussed in class- particularly cooking. I was a brisk 5 minute walk from school, and less to the popular bars. The apartment was located within the historic city center, on a very well maintained street. I needed only to buy a cutting board, but the rest was provided for me. My landlady was friendly and helpful. |
| * Food: |
Very satisfied with the food I ate- regardless of whether or not I prepared it. Always authentic and delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved the weekend field trips organized by LDM. It was a personal goal of mine to get to know the towns surrounding Tuscania, and LDM facilitated that desire remarkably well. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The worst crime I heard of while in Tuscania, was a purse being stolen from an unlocked car. This occasion a good deal of comment. It was a very small, intimate, and safe community. The water was all safe to drink- even that from the natural springs underneath the city. I never had any experience with the health care system. |
| 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? | approximately 70 dollars per week. The exchange rate was not particularly friendly, and I had to buy my own food as I was in an apartment. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be conscious of the impact that frequent withdrawals in a foreign country, as well as a weak dollar, will have on your account balance. An unanticipated expense was the permit of stay I was required to pay for once in Italy. |
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 no prior experience with the language. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Very few people spoke English in Tuscania, which made it an ideal location in which to take my first course in Italian. I could practice the language with anyone I met, and they all seemed delighted to hear me try. |
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?
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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? | Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone. If this is something you enjoy doing, you'll have the time of your life. Living in this city is not at all as it is at home, and it might be disappointing if you were expecting more familiar comforts. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Food of Italy |
| Course Department: | NUH 160T |
| Instructor: | Giordano Franci |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | A difficult, fun, and very, very interesting class. We took field trips to local farms which coincided with our current topics, and our teacher was extremely capable in his subject area. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No. |
