Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

CAPA Florence Provides a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experince Past Review

By (English and Art History, Ursinus College) - abroad from 09/08/2013 to 12/06/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new self-confidence and an understanding of other cultures which has allowed me to better understand my own

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.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Florence is an expensive city, and especially if you do extra traveling, you can expect your semester abroad to be expensive
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It is important to understand the dollar-euro exchange rate. In order to save money, planning your trips and extra expenses well in advance is helpful.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had taken several years of spanish prior to study abroad
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? Living with a host family is an extremely helpful way to practice the language skills you learn in the classroom, as well as making an effort to talk to locals.

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 experience of living with a host family
  • the oppurtunity to take studio art classes
  • the extra programs provided, such as tours of the Tuscan countryside
* What could be improved?
  • Occassionally events were cancelled due to lack of sign-ups
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had had some prior knowledge of Italian.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!