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Study Abroad Program Review of API (Academic Programs International): Florence - Scuola Lorenzo De Medici

Submitted by boston2italy (Marketing,female,Umass - Amherst) on June 3rd, 2010

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Academics
Language
Housing & Food
Culture & Health
Final Opinion

Personal Information

Participation Year:

2007

Term:

Spring

International exposure prior to program?

0-2 weeks

Academics Overall

**Overall educational experience:

**Comment:

The academics at Lorenzo De Medici were both relevant and authentic. I took a mix of business and Italian culture courses, and each incorporated relevant and modern information that could easily be applicable while abroad or at home.

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Course Title:

Sociology and History of the Italian Mafia

Language of Instruction:

English/Italian

Please comment on the course:

This course focused on the social and historical ramifications of the Sicilian mafia. The instructor was very well versed in how the mafia influenced the course of Italy's history from international, national, and local perspectives. "The Godfather" was referenced as a legitimate source of information and as proof of the lingering effect the mafia still has today. A highlight of the course was a dinner trip to a restaurant owned by a former mafioso.

Please rate the course overall:

Did you have any credit transfer issues upon return to your home institution? If so, what would you suggest to other students?

Credits from this course did transfer to my home university.

Course

**Course Title:

Pairing Food and Wine

**Language of Instruction:

English

**Please comment on the course:

This was an introductory cooking course to the relationship between food and Italian wines. The first half of every class was dedicated to learning about a particular region of Italy and how various foods (simple and complex) paired with wines hailing from that region. The second half was the cooking portion, where a variety of simple recipes were made each day to showcase how the food and wine worked together. Most of the ingredients and wines used were very much within the price range of study abroad students. It was a fantastic way to spend a few hours on a Wednesday afternoon - highly recommended!

**Please rate the course overall:

**Did you have any credit transfer issues upon return to your home institution? If so, what would you suggest to other students?

These credits did not transfer to my home university.

Course

**Course Title:

International Marketing

**Language of Instruction:

English

**Please comment on the course:

This course revolved around a broad view of how business and marketing are approached differently around the world. It was somewhat similar to an international ethics or business etiquette course at times. The instructor had worked in a variety of international corporations throughout his career, and definitely enhanced the curriculum with personal experiences and testaments.

**Please rate the course overall:

**Did you have any credit transfer issues upon return to your home institution? If so, what would you suggest to other students?

These credits did transfer to my home university and counted towards my degree in Marketing.

Course

**Course Title:

Introduction to the Italian Language

**Language of Instruction:

Italian

**Please rate the course overall:

**Please comment on the course:

A basic beginner's introduction to the Italian language. Prior to leaving for Italy, I had taken an intro Italian language course at my home university. I realized, after being in the class for a few sessions, that I should have taken the intermediate Italian language course while overseas. The intro course was basically a repeat of what I had learned while in the States. Great course if you have no experience with the Italian language, but if you've taken an intro course already, go for the intermediate. It's worth it to know a little more about the language and culture you'll be living in every day.

**Did you have any credit transfer issues upon return to your home institution? If so, what would you suggest to other students?

These credits did transfer to my home university.

Language Overall

**Language acquisition improvement?

**Comment:

Most of the courses were taught in English, as it was a study abroad program. The best way to improve your language skills is to directly enroll in an Italian university or make friends with shop owners, cafe workers, waiters, and people at the market. Everyone knows you're American, but if people see you making an effort to try and learn the language, they're more than happy to speak Italian with you. The best way to learn is to immerse yourself in the language in whatever way possible!

Host Country Program Administration Overall

**On-site administration of your program:

**Please explain the program's strengths and weaknesses:

I had a fantastic experience with API. The administrators were always willing to meet with you about any problems or questions you might have. Courses were easy to switch in and out of, depending on availability.

Housing Overall

Living arrangements? (all that apply):

Apartment

Who did you live with?

Americans

**Housing satisfaction:

**Comment:

I lived with 5 other girls in a very old apartment on the 3rd floor. The building was located just outside the heart of the city of Florence - close enough for easy access but far enough where you didn't hear the clubs letting out at 4 or 5am. It was spacious and beautifully decorated, although very simple. There was a washing machine in the apartment (Italians don't really use dryers) and two bathrooms. The apartment was a 30 second walk to the open market where we bought fresh food every day, and a 5 or 10 minute walk to all of my classes.

Food Overall

**Food satisfaction:

**Comment:

Stay away from the tourist-trap restaurants. It was a treat to wander around my area and find little hidden shops and restaurants that would have otherwise gone completely unnoticed. The best way to find real Italian food was to look for places that don't have a website and often don't have a sign out front. The tourist places are good for a quick bite before or after class, but if you want authenticity, walk down little side streets and find places where the menu doesn't have English subtitles. I guarantee you'll like whatever you order!

Safety and Health Overall

**How well were health issues addressed through your program?

**Safety:

**Comment:

I felt very safe while in Florence. As a woman, there are some basic safety rules you keep in mind (i.e. not walking home by yourself late at night, traveling alone, etc). The most important thing is to be conscious of your surroundings and making a conscious effort to not put yourself in potentially harmful situations.

Money Overall

**How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

General Assessment Overall

**Words of wisdom:

I would suggest any type of study abroad program to a person who is willing to take charge of the opportunity and make the most of it. Very few people get the chance, and it can be one of the best decisions of your life if you do it right. Plan accordingly, save enough money to do what you want, and step outside of your comfort zone. It's a time for you to explore other cultures, languages, places and people. Do your research, know what you want to get out of the experience, and leave enough room for spontaneity. It's worth it!

**If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program?

Yes

**Overall satisfaction with your study abroad experience:

**Was your study abroad experience worthwhile?

Study abroad was a fantastic idea. Not only do you learn about other cultures, but you also learn a lot about yourself. How well you cope with unfamiliar situations, adapt to other people and cultures, and adjust yourself accordingly. It's a great opportunity to step outside of your "bubble" and experience a place you might otherwise never get to see.

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Study Abroad Program Review of API (Academic Programs International): Florence - Scuola Lorenzo De Medici

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