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Istituto Lorenzo de Medici (IDM)
Instituto Lorenzo de Medici, Via Faenza, 43 - 50123, Florence, Italy, Firenze
4.03 / 5 based on 150 reviews.
Description:
Located in the heart of Florence, the Lorenzo de' Medici school has been providing Italian language and cultural instruction to foreign students since 1972. With 24 years of experience, the Institute has perfected a method of teaching Italian not only to students from all over the world, but also to those whose professions require a special knowledge of Italian. The School is a member of FEDE (Federation of European Schools ) and was one of the first schools to become a member of the ASILS (Association of Schools for Italian as a Second Language).
86% of students recommend
150 reviews
11 4-star reviews of Istituto Lorenzo de Medici
Review by Christopher, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY, United States
Language, University Agreement 
HOUSING
Personal assessment
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why? It gives me the freedom and flexibility to come and go as I please. It also gives me a personal space in which I can live and focus on my studies. I'm also I very independent person and it provides that sense of independence and forces you to rely upon yourself for living, maturing in the process.
Personal comments:
Any housing offered in Italy needs to be taken with an open mind. Housing in a major city such as Firenze is much different then the housing and utilities we're used to here in the U.S. I thought the location was absolutely amazing, directly in the heart of the city. The utilities and services were exactly what I expected and you're forced to adapt. If you have a low level of adaptability and can't easily adjust to a new culture of living then it could be difficult. You must have an open mind. This review is the opinion of an iAgora member, and not of iAgora itself
STUDENT LIFE
Personal social experience
Describe host city: Students equally interact with the local and student community
Travel: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment Activities, Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment Personal comments:
There's so much to see and do in Florence. I wrote up a 12-page information packet for my friends that studied there. I couldn't possibly list everything here. For night spots hit up Meccano, Red Garter, Dolche Zucchero, Yab, JJ's Cathedral. This review is the opinion of an iAgora member, and not of iAgora itself
ACADEMIC
My academic experiences
Course recommendations:
I know nothing about art and I wasn't very interested in it, but how do you go to Florence and not study renaissance art? Take a beginners class to get your feet wet. I suggest taking a history class on Florence as well (Florence's 'Quattro Quartieri' was taught by Professor Bellini) so that you have an understanding of where the cities been and how it was shaped.
My opinion of the university assessment
Personal comments:
It's Italy. Everyone's friendly and willing to help, especially your teachers. Don't be afraid to approach them for help or insight. They will go out of their way to no end to help you and then probably invite you over for lunch on Sunday with the family. This review is the opinion of an iAgora member, and not of iAgora itself
Language difficulties
Language of instruction: English
Local language was: Different than language of instruction.
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't. Was learning Italian a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my Italian How much did you improve your Italian?
My level before: Did not speak it My level after: At ease in most situations Personal comments:
I went to Italy have never spoken Italian in my entire life. The Italians are so willing to help you out with the language and relish the opportunity to enhance their english by attempting to help you learn italian. If you go in with an open mind and embrace the culture and learning a new language there's no end to how much you can advance with the language. It's frustrating and difficult at first, as learning a new language always is. But if you're willing to continue to work at it you'll go far. The locals really appreciate you at least attempting to speak Italian, even if you're not even close. They see that as an extremely nice gesture on your part and will treat you accordingly and help you out with whatever you need in order to learn. Try and speak Italian as much as possible. This review is the opinion of an iAgora member, and not of iAgora itself
EXPENSES
The accessibility of student needs
Main source of funding:
Government assistance Other sources of funding:
Family Personal savings A private grant Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options Personal spending habits:
The rate of the euro against the dollar. Also, imports and exports cost differently then at home. Nightlife, Housing: was more expensive than at home. Food, Overall, Telephone: was the same price as at home. Travel: was less expensive than at home.
Personal comments:
Be willing to travel to the city outskirts in order to shop from a supermarket that you're used to in the states. There's none in the city center but you'll save much more by walking 30 minutes to it and taking the bus back with your groceries. Buying from the mom & pop corner store in a pinch is alright but it can get expensive. Also, seek out the markets that the locals go to to get produce and meats cheap. Also, this is Italy, reduce the urge to spend insanely on clothes and shoes. Have a few drinks before going out as well to stem the cost of nightlife. This review is the opinion of an iAgora member, and not of iAgora itself
OVERALL
Important to choosing this university...
I wish I had known...
I wish I would've known that it was going to be a life changing experience and that it'd be the best five months of my life. I would've studied a whole year there. In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
During my experience abroad, I ...
Personal recommendation:
I couldn't have asked for a better experience. FINAL COMMENTS
Email me if you need any information and/or help with choices during your trip. Travel to other countries as much as possible but also travel within Italy as much as possible as well. You may return to Europe later in your life to visit a major city but how many times are you going to get back to those little, culturally enriched tuscan countryside towns?? This review is the opinion of an iAgora member, and not of iAgora itself
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About iAgora
iAgora provides university reviews and ratings by international graduates, Erasmus and exchange students. International rankings and admission details to graduate programmes like masters, MSc, MBAs and summer courses at Istituto Lorenzo de Medici and other business schools and universities.
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Couldn't have asked for more.
Pretty good.
Could've been better, but didn't lessen the overall experience.
Disappointing.
Very Important.
Important.
Not really important.
Unimportant.
