Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-changing Past Review

By (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 01/10/2014 to 04/19/2014 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about other cultures and learned to appreciate other cultures and my home culture more. I learned more about myself in one semester than I could ever imagine. I learned how to navigate foreign cities and tried to bridge language barriers. Studying abroad was the best decision I ever made.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were very interesting ans the professors were approachable, interesting, and fair.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff in Florence was incredibly helpful and approachable. Stefano is the best! He is friendly, kind, approachable, and very knowledgeable about all things Florence.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

CAPA did a great job integrating us with the local culture. There were many MyEducation oppurtunities available. I attended many interesting lectures taught by locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt incredibly safe in Florence. I walked home by myself late at night and never had any problems. But, like anywhere, try to walk home with someone at night and be aware of your surroundings.

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to use a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. Book flights within Europe in advance.

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

The program encourages us to use Italian as much as possible. I was required by Indiana University to take a three-credit Italian course, which was very helpful. Not all home institutions required its students to take Italian; but, I highly recommend all students to take an Italian class while abroa.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? One semester of 100-level Italian
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? Speak Italian as much as possible and try not to switch back to English when you get nervous speaking Italian.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The staff is friendly and helpful
  • The included day trips
  • The CAPA center's location
* What could be improved?
  • Removing the requirement of MyEducation events as it was very confusing with all of our classes.
  • The attendance policy was never clearly explained.
  • Our apartment had a lot of maintenance issues and they took a while to get fixed.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To look at the class schedule before booking weekend trips.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.