studying abroad in italy changed my life!! Past Review
By Devin C (History Ed, Illinois State University) for
Lorenzo de’ Medici – Two Italies (Florence and Tuscania)
yes yes yes!!! im getting emotional and choked up writing this review right now. that is how much i absolutely loved my time abroad. not a day goes by that i don't think about it. it has not only changed my perception of the world but it has forever changed my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
it all depended on the city. tuscania's program was pretty good. the people were extrememly helpful and would helpl us with planning trips and more that willing to answer any of our questions. rome's program was disappointing. although the teachers were by far the best of the 3 cities, the office people were not so helpful. i wish our advisor was more helpful. venice's program was so great! our advisor was soooo great. she was a sweetheart and so helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
some apartments were better than others but it all depends on the city. there was nothing majorly wrong with any of them though. |
| * Food: |
i cooked for myself |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
there are so many that i dont even know where to start!! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
they were very adament on reminding us of safety while being out in our cities and even traveling out of italy. |
| 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? | i literally ate .60 euro pasta everyday. and a lot of grilled cheese cause it was the cheapest. i spent about 6 to 7 euro every week on food. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | remember that the euro is going to be converted to american dollars!! try to keep the american dollar mindset while there to prevent being surprised by your credit card bill after the end of the month. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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? | i took a 300 level history class i think |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
i practiced my italian not only with our teachers and roomates but also with the locals. many people were excited when we told them we were trying to learn italian and were willing to help us. many people in rome and venice however, did in fact speak english due to such a large tourism industry. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | be open minded!! relax and let loose. you absolutely have to enjoy your time thier because it goes by so fast. take more pictures than you know what to do with!! basically, dont be afraid to go out there and take every opportunity that you can. i did and im so grateful that i did. |
