The best experience I have ever encountered. Past Review

By (Management, Illinois State University) - abroad from 01/30/2013 to 05/18/2013 with

Lorenzo de' Medici – Florence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew up in my eyes and met so many amazing people. It really opens up the world and makes you think about enjoying life a little more sometimes.

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.

challenging to a certain extent. I definitely learned many subjects I wouldn't have is the US.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They are very laid back on certain issues than they really should be.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved my location and apartment itself.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never walked alone at night, and I wouldn't advise it just to be safe.

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? 60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend it all at once. start budgeting right away, I ran into money problems my last month and I wish I would've been more careful.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 4 years of Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Italian class
* What could be improved?
  • printing hours
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To bring extra hair products and things you love because they most likely don't sell them in Italy.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.