Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Time of my Life Past Review

By (Communications, Chapman University) - abroad from 01/28/2013 to 05/26/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was one that will be with me forever. During my time in Florence, I was able to have time of self discovery. Florence was the place where I learned I could conquer any goal I set my mind to.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Considering I go to a rigorous home university, LdM was not overly challenging for me in terms of the academics. That being said, when you study abroad the school work is not the main aspect. It's about exploring the world that surrounds you because when else are you going to have an opportunity such as this one?

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program staff at LdM were some of the most helpful individuals I've worked with. They not only made sure I was set to go with all of courses. They were there to assist with any issues I had ranging from getting around the city to host family placement. They were always easily contactable. In addition, they made sure everything was going well throughout the term.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied with my living situation. It was rough at first adjusting to life with a host family, but as time progressed, it became much easier. In fact, it was what made my experience in Florence all around amazing! Since LdM is mainly American students, it was the perfect mix to go to school with students who spoke my native language and learn from instructors who spoke my native language but being able to go home to a place where I could really sharpen my understanding of the Italian language. Best part of my experience!

* Food:

The food was the best part of Italy hands down! Italian food anywhere else will not compare to the food in Italy. Everything is so fresh and delicious that leaving will be difficult.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since I lived with a host family, I felt extremely integrated with the local culture. As my time progressed there, I felt that I could confidently communicate with the locals in Italian. By the time I left, my Italian was almost fluent.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Always felt safe.

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)

It was difficult at first given the Euro to dollar ratio was quite high when I went. However, it all depends on how the economy is doing. As my time there progressed, it became much easier as I knew what to expect in terms of pricing. Overall, it was a very applicable lesson in budgeting.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to get a general idea of the location's economy before you go. The thing with studying abroad is that you cannot plan everything too much in advance as you don't know what obstacles you could potentially face .

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

In my program there were students from all over the world. As a result the use of the native language was not forced on us. However, the school did require that students take an Italian language class in order to understand the basics of the language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Stay with a host family!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • The school administrative staff.
  • The host family I stayed with
  • The ease and helpfulness of the staff at the home office.
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing.
  • Nothing.
  • Nothing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is the best program to go abroad with! I had no issues!

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 Adventurer
The 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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Italian History and Cuisine

Course Department: Cooking
Instructor: Marcco
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Absolutely loved this course was an amazing part of my experience and I was able to sharpen my cooking skills. The dishes we made were nothing short of amazing.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues.