Past Review
By Mary D (Psychology, Rice University) for
API (Academic Programs International): Florence - Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute (LDM)
I learned so much about the Renaissance and art, not to mention the Medici! I also enjoyed experiencing an other religious culture, although I still don't understand relics.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Although the professors were wonderful lecturers, the examinations were below what I feel like is the college level. For one of my classes we were given a test review of exactly what would be on the exam. I do not know if my own university is particularly difficult or if others are just easier, but I felt like the level of difficulty was more appropriate for high school students than university students. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was run extremely smoothly. Our advisors were always available to help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Mercato Centrale. I lived right in the middle of everything! It was a wonderful location. The market was right below our apartment and the Duomo was three blocks away. <br /><br /> Extremely safe, and great amenities. |
| * Food: |
I am a vegetarian, and the program was very accommodating at our group meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved the entire experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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? | 15 euros a day, so approximately 150 dollars a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | we were required to buy text books as well as lab fees for museum trips. about 100 euros in all. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | n/a |
| 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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student who wants to make new friends and have an amazing experience. |
