Culturally Awakening Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found that each course truly reflected the Italian culture and served as a guide in exploring its surrounding histories. This allowed me to fully served me well in completing my minor in Italian Culture.

On-site administration of your program

Very supportive and effective. They care about their students and want them to have the best study abroad experience.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very lucky with my housing. I was placed in a newer building right next to the Ponte Vecchio. Friends of mine were placed in older apartments, but still enjoyed their stay. My favorite aspects of CEA's apartments are that they are centrally located in the heart of the city, by CEA's Global Campus, and that the apartment buildings are mixed with locals and students of all ages. The apartment unit, however, is only for CEA students, which allows comfortable sharing space with peers and the immersion aspect of living with Italians in the building.

How could anyone have anything bad to say about Italian food? You won't know what real Italian food is until you come to Italy.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Florence is more of a difficult city to immerse in Italian culture because of the high volume of American students and international residents. However, this does not mean it is impossible. Be pro-active and find Italians! Explore across the Arno on the opposite side of the city center and you will already begin to immerse yourself in real Italian culture. I met my Italian friends in a restaurant across the river called Dante's, the first week I was in Florence. We traveled, ate, danced, and explored together. I learned more about Italian culture through them than my classes because they are a living example. I enjoyed having the opportunity to exchange cultural experiences (they are interested in American culture!!) and was so lucky for them to visit me in the US when I returned home. My study abroad exprience would not have been as near as fulfilling if I hadn't taken it upon myself to meet Italian people and explore their culture with them. This is true for any location you study abroad in...spend time with friends in the program, but spend more time with the people who can teach you the most about really being abroad.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not applicable. I didn't experience any health issues.

Florence is already a very safe city. CEA helped me feel even more comfortable by providing us with emergency contact information, taxi numbers and protocols, and having a carabinieri (Italian policeman) speak to us about safety during orientation.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I took out a private student loan because I did not qualify for any scholarships or grants from the FAFSA. I was sure to take out enough to cover the program fee and have spending money.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The professors strongly encouraged us to practice our language skills inside and outside the classroom.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans

• CEA's staff and faculty
• Opportunity to immerse in the culture and meet Italians
• CEA's Global Campus course options - most interesting and creative!

• Academic immersion - need mix of Italian students with CEA students at the Global Campus or at University of Florence
• Include internet in the apartments and in the program fee