Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience October 10, 2026

By (Graphic Design, Liberty University) - abroad from 01/28/2026 to 05/15/2026 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?
While I learned academically, some of the most valuable knowledge and life lessons I gained were outside the classroom. I learned the value of taking risks and trying new things, despite unfamiliarity. Most importantly, I learned that being nervous is not a bad thing; it just means that you really care. So with that being said, this experience was completely worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat if I could.

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

* 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?

* Safety:

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Easy and fast communication with API staff
  • Very academically accommodating
  • Prioritize safety
* What could be improved?
  • The long classroom hours - 5.5 hr. long classes were tiring
  • Cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Instead of looking forward to the next weekend trip or the next excursion, I wish I would have stayed a little more present in the current moment. While it is important to plan in advance, often times I lost myself in the excitement, which sometimes diminished my casual time in the city.