CAPA International Education: A true cross cultural experience Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Susquehanna University) - abroad from 01/13/2012 to 04/21/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have learned so much about myself since being abroad. I have become a global citizen and value the values and norms of every culture. Definitely a worthwhile experience.

Review Photos

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy Photo CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy Photo CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy Photo CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy Photo CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy Photo

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.

There was a happy medium of intensity and understanding for the cross cultural expreience

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? food:about 40 euro/week (sometimes less)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? cook as much as you can and take advantage of the fresh food!

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? spanish 301
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? Try to speak with the Italians as much as possible! they are patient and love to help!

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
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?
  • immersion into the culture
  • My Education Program
  • traveling
* What could be improved?
  • length of program (longer)
  • meal plan (lunches)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know I wasted too much time sleeping!! It went by way too fast!

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.