3-and-a-Half of the Most Enriching Months of my Life Past Review
By Christine B (Telecommunications, Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 09/05/2014 to 12/13/2014 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy
My experience abroad was absolutely worthwhile. I gained new friends, perspectives, and feel like a more conscious individual. The ability to adapt to new surroundings and customs gave me confidence that I can acclimate to just about anywhere in the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My professors were very well-educated about their subjects and significantly broadened my knowledge about Italian culture. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The CAPA Florence staff were prompt, friendly, and professional. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My apartment was in great condition and I could not have asked for a better location. The CAPA center, grocery store, parks, bus stops, and restaurants were within a 5 minute walk from my apartment. The neighborhood was not touristy, but it was only a 5 minute walk to Santa Croce and the Duomo. |
| * Food: |
There are many fantastic restaurants and markets to purchase fresh foods from. One could easily try something new every day. Your idea of Italian food will be changed (for the better, as hard as that might be to imagine). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very welcomed and participated in many local activities. The CAPA staff consisted entirely of people who had been living in Florence for several years (if not their entire lives) and I lived in a not-so-touristy area. However, it was challenging to feel TOTALLY integrated, primarily due to the language barrier. I knew some Italian before arriving, and my skills significantly improved by the end of the program, but I would not consider myself fluent. I think being able to carry on an in-depth conversation in the local language may be key to feeling completely integrated. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
While I never had to access healthcare during my program, some of my friends did and they were able to visit medical centers and access pharmacies with ease. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Florence. The only questionable moment I experienced was on my second-to-last night, when I stopped someone in the act of trying to pickpocket me while I was in a group. Regarding security, this is the only issue I've heard anyone experience in Florence. Being able to stay aware of your surroundings and keeping your valuables close to your body (or in your locked apartment) is key to preventing pickpocketing. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Florence (and western Europe in general) is more expensive than it is in Indiana and the exchange rate is not in Americans' favor, so everyday expenses tended to cost a little more. However, it is acceptable. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100-$200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Apply for any and all scholarships you are eligible for. Enjoy local offerings, such as restaurants, but perhaps splurge on pricier dining and entertainment on the weekends. CAPA provides you with passes to see many museums for free. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Italian use was insisted upon in my Italian language class, encouraged in public interactions, but not requested in other CAPA courses or activities. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | First Level |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Insist on speaking the language with Italians as much as possible. Even if Italians speak to you in English, or for example, all of your friends speak to a waiter in English, continue to speak Italian. Not only will the locals appreciate you making an effort, but the repetition of certain phrases will help your learning process. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This doesn't directly pertain to CAPA, but I would encourage students in the future to plan at least half of their weekend/break travels independently (not through a student travel organization). You will not have everything planned for you, so you will learn to figure things out for yourself, which will be very worthwhile (and you'll still have a memorable time). |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
