Amazing Experience Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/21/2012 to 05/21/2012 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 gained a lot of things, more confidence and an experience that can never be replaced

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Wasn't that hard for classes

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were nice overall, but one of the people in charge got ruder as the semester went on. Really brought down the trips

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

House was not up to standards, windows were drafty and had large holes in them. Also, water went from hot to cold and no one could fix it.

* Food:

AMAZING! it was italy

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

experienced none

* Safety:

It was safe you just had to be smart

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Weekly about 40 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Dont go out to each all the time

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

They encouraged but that didnt mean i was going to

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Actual practice it with the people

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

  • International Students
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?
  • Trips included
  • 1 Roomate I meet
* What could be improved?
  • People in charge
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much things actually cost

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'