There's no place like home, but there sure isn't a place like "Flo"! Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., University of Hartford) for

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?
Absolutely. People ask me this all the time, and I say that without a doubt that it was by far the best decision I've made so far.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Loved the food and the restaurant recommendations but again, we had to pay for our own meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Of course it's never smart to venture off alone in the middle of the night, but in my experience Florence was so incredibly safe... I felt a lot safer walking alone there than I am in my own home city I think.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The only thing that was in our minds but unavoidable was one, the exchange rate, and two the fees from the atms. Those two small things make the biggest of differences when it comes to your money.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

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  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do It!