A crazy, unforgettable adventure through European history. Past Review

By A student (Psychology, Berea College) - abroad from 01/25/2015 to 05/16/2015 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 immense knowledge of a similar yet completely different way of life. I learned that I could live in a different country and that I could adapt to new challenges on a daily basis. It was 110% worthwhile.

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?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	This was not really applicable to me, but there were many places to purchase medicines and the insurance I had for my trip should have covered me if anything had gone wrong.
* Safety:	Pick-pockets were around, but I always kept watch over my belongings and never lost anything. Just be vigilant and don't keep valuables on your back. Most streets were well lit and very busy, so I never felt unsafe, but 85% of the time I was with a buddy.
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)	I spent on average about $80/week.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$40-80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Cook meals with your roommates that way costs are divided by 3-5. Shop at the local market, often you can bargain a bit or price is often rounded.

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	The class was very vague and did not teach us applicable conversations until it was almost time to leave.
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?	AP Latin
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 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?	Excursions On-site help
* What could be improved?	housing consistency
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I cannot think of anything

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 Academic or Linguist You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Love, Beauty, and Natural Selection: Science and Myth
Course Department:	Psychology/Women Studies
Instructor:	Eva DeClerque
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This class was excellent. I learned a lot that is applicable to numerous aspects of my studies. The professor was well versed in the information and very incorporative of students. She offered as much help as she could and fostered a fun learning environment.
Credit Transfer Issues: