A Changing Experience Past Review

By mdisalvo2 (Communication and Media Studies, Quinnipiac University) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 05/12/2012 with

API (Academic Programs International): Florence - Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute (LDM)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned so much from this experience, I don't even know where to begin. If I could stay in Florence forever, I would. I came back such a different person. I have an incredible need to travel everywhere. My Italian language skills improved just by walking around, observing and listening. I was encouraged to try new things in some of the most beautiful places in the world. I experienced the culture of my great-grandparents and feel more connected to family whom I have never met. This was the most incredible experience of my life and I cannot wait to go back.

Review Photos

API (Academic Programs International): Florence - Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute (LDM) Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	We had a few problems with the girls that lived in the apartment next door and the administration, especially Ellen and Irene, helped us out.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The apartment was bigger than any dorm room I have ever had on campus. 2 bathrooms, full kitchen and refrigerator, very small washing machine, but it worked.
* Food:	I wish I could eat this food everyday. Like nothing I have ever had in the US and I am 100% Italian.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	There are ALOT of tourists, especially in the spring and summer months. and a lot of students. In order to experience a local feel, you have to get away from the city center.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Both my roommate and I got sick while we were there and we were directed to a small hospital in the city center. The doctors did not speak English very well, so that was a little difficult. Reimbursement by my insurance company for my medicine and doctor's visit was quick though.
* Safety:	It is best to not look them in the eye, especially in the markets, and late at night. I felt perfectly safe walking alone in the city during the day, walking to and from class and sightseeing. At night, I would not go alone.
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)	It was hard. Food was expensive, and they charge you for water. Inner-European travel is not as cheap as they make it out to be.
* Was housing included in your program cost?	Yes
* Was food included in your program cost?	No
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Buy the giant water bottles in the 1 Euro store and carry it around with you.

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?	Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	Italian 201
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	learn some before. don't go there knowing none of 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 International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Everyone in API was so helpful. I really enjoyed the trips that were included The Italian culture is one of the most fascinating things I've ever experienced.
* What could be improved?	Nothing. Extremely organized and informative
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I had known more Italian. After taking it for 5 years, I thought that I would have been fine, but I wish I had kept up with it until I left, so that I would have been able to speak very well, right away.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.	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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Current Trends in Italian Cuisine: Vegetarian
Course Department:	Cuisine
Instructor:	Milva Porfidio
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	I cannot even begin to describe how much I enjoyed this class. Milva brought us to the market on the first day and explained food shopping to us, which was so helpful. We made 2-3 authentic Italian dishes each class and they were incredible.
Credit Transfer Issues:	When I returned to Quinnipiac, they did not give me credit because we do not have cooking classes, so there was nothing comparable to that, but it was worth it.