Tell me more:
Studying in Florence was an experience of a lifetime
API (Academic Programs International): Florence - Lorenzo de'Medici - The Italian International Institute
Program Information
Florence, located in the renowned region of Tuscany, is situated on the banks of the Arno River, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Italian countryside. To study and live in Florence is to walk the streets of Dante, Brunelleschi, Giotto and many other contributors to the arts and humanities. Here students ... More
| Provider: | Academic Programs International (API) |
| Hosted at: | Lorenzo de' Medici |
| Location(s): | Florence, Italy |
| Year Founded: | 1997 |
| Website | Take me there! |
Review By:
Brittany F. (architecture, University of Hartford) on January 11, 2012
Overall Rating
Personal Information
| * Start Date: | 2011-08-29 |
| * End Date: | 2011-12-17 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics overall were really good. The grading system was fair. My workload was managable.Compared to my home university, the work was a lot easier and I was less stressed out. Althought grading systems were different, they are both good. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Their strengths were providing helpful information, easy accessibility, knowlede of host country. |
| * Housing: |
I loved my apartment. It was located near everything. School was a 2 minute walk. I felt very safe in our neighborhood. We didn't have to buy any sheets or cookware. Our apartment was well prepared for us to live in. |
| * Food: |
it was expensive having to buy our own food every week. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
API arranged us to attend an illusionist show. I really enjoyed this event and so did other students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It was very safe in my city. |
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* Home Institution Advising:
How well did University of Hartford prepare and support you for your time abroad? |
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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? | I spent about $1,400 each month. This included food, travel, school books/supplies, house necessities, personal expenses. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I advise students to keep a log of your spendings. I wrote down every day, everything I bought or spent money on. It helped me see how much I was spending daily, weelky, and monthly. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I could practice the language with classmates and friends. The language was very helpful for everyday living. A good amount of poeple spoke English. |
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 did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? | Yes |
| * What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? | My experience was definitely worth while. I learned so much and became a better person. I will never forget my time abroad. |