Studying in Florence was an experience of a lifetime Past Review
By Brittany F (Architecture., University of Hartford) for
API (Academic Programs International): Florence - Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute (LDM)
My experience was definitely worth while. I learned so much and became a better person. I will never forget my time abroad.
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. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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. |
| 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? | 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 |
| 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. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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