5 weeks of adventure Past Review
By Jillian Chase (Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 07/02/2016 to 08/05/2016 with
API (Academic Programs International): Florence - Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute (LDM)
I learned that there are a lot of different cultures and people out in the world and that those differences are hard to get used to but once you do, it is very nice to observe
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Directors were so wonderfully helpful |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was very hot and wifi was not very good but it was in a good location and very roomie |
| * Food: |
The school cafe was pretty good and had really big servings so I was well fed |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Not very integrated because I wasn't there very long and my apartment was in a very touristy area |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The doctor I went to for an allergic reaction was very nice and helpful and knew exactly what to do to help me. |
| * Safety: |
Florence is a fairly safe city |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I would like to go to a different location because am more interested in adventure and landscapes over cathedrals and history but I would still like to go through API |
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 a lot of money on personal expenses. I was able to save a little on food by grocery shopping |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 300-500 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Grocery shop at the local market and grocery stores. Do not buy souvenirs right away because you will change your mind and want to buy something else |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Nothing in Italian |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Practice some before you leave using apps or books |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had known how touristy the city of Florence is. I didn't think there would be so many crowding the streets and how the Restaurants cater to them as well. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
