Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Time of My Life! Past Review

By (The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 09/05/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was 100% with it and worth every last penny. I wish I could do it all over again. I learned more about myself and the Italian culture then I ever though possible. CAPA's MyEducation events definitely gave me more opportunities to learn about Florence.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

CAPA offeres a number of unique classes like, Intro to Sculpting, Cross Cultural Psychology, and Italian Cinema. I wish I could have taken all of the classes. Every professor had a passion for their subject and were there to answer any questions about Florence.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were all so nice and helpful. They were there for you no matter what whether if you were sick or just needed a good recommendation for dinner. I miss them all, they became my second family.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Most apartments had 4-6 people in them and were close to CAPA and the city center. My apartment was neat and clean and only a 5 minute walk to CAPA and the city center.

* Food:

The food was obviously AMAZING. We had to cook our own food but there were markets and grocery stores all over. There are also a number of restaurants right around CAPA and the apartments to eat at.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I liked that we lived among other Italians. It forced me to use the language outside of the classroom. CAPA also told us some of the "hot spot" where the Italians hang out (like the library-Oblate) so we could meet some locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

CAPA was very helpful with finding doctors and medications. There is also someone from CAPA that you can talk to (even at 2 am) with the CAPA emergency line. Someone always answers too and are helpful with what to do next.

* Safety:

There was never a moment in Florence where I felt unsafe. The apartments and CAPA center are all in a safe area. The CAPA staff advised us on current issues happening in the city (i.e. bus/train strikes). No matter where you are, it is just important to use common sense and know your surroundings. Just like in any city watch your pockets and bags for pick-pocketers and do not walk home alone.

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? $100-200 on food and travel expenses for the weekend. Budgeting is really very easy though. It is doable if you are on a tight budget.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Before going abroad I knew I wanted to travel and see as many places as possible and if you are like me then I suggest saving up as much money as you can before you leave. I would normally try to only eat out about once or twice a week, so to save a few extra euros try to cook as much as home as you can.

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 professor and administration also encouraged us to use the language and would speak to us as well. Whether it be a hello or how are you doing.

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? Beginner Spanish 3 at TCNJ
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? Just try to use it as much as you can. The Italians like it when you try to speak the language. So when ordering food or asking a question try to use Italian. The farther out of the city center you are there will be less people who speak English.

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?
  • the people
  • the classes
  • the location
* What could be improved?
  • More interactions with Italian students
  • More MyEducation events
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I personally was not nervous at all to go abroad but a lot of people I know were. I would suggest just treating everyday as a new adventure. If you get lost in the city for two hours, so what, you will eventually find your way back. And if for some reason you do get homesick, the CAPA staff if there to help and talk to you. Also, with todays technology, your family and friends are only a FaceTime away.

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.