Four Months in Firenze Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The education experience was much different than I had expected it to be. Professors were extremely enthusiastic about the courses that they were teaching, and were available and welcoming to students outside of classroom time. I especially liked the fact that at some point throughout the semester, our professors taught a lesson outside of the classroom setting, really allowing us to be a part of the Florentine culture, and apply what we had learned. The only negative aspect about my educational experience was that the professors were not as organized as I would have liked them to be, but this did not interfere with the quality of my overall experience.

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration of my program was great! The program director, and the other staff at the CAPA office were very personable. They acted like close family to us, and made myself and the other students feel comfortable going to them for help with anything.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved my flat in Florence. I instantly became very good friends with my flatmates, regardless of being from different schools. Our apartment was much bigger and cleaner than I thought it would have been. It was decorated beautifully and was perfect for four 20 year old girls. It was in a great location, 10 minutes from the Duomo and about 15 minutes from the Ponte Vecchio, with the Sant' Ambrogio Market ride around the corner. I would definitely go back and live in that apartment if I had the chance!

The food in Italy was delicious! A meal plan was not included, but my friends and I figured out a good balance of eating out and making food in our apartment. In our apartment, we made very simple meals like pasta and vegetables, quesadillas, and eggs. But, definitely take advantage of the delicious food all over Florence! Some of our best meals were in small restaurants that we stumbled upon, rather than the restaurants that others had told us to visit.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the local culture. Through our out of class experiences, I had the ability to interact with the local Florentines. I also participated in a program in which I helped teach English to third graders in an Italian elementary school. It was really amazing to have the opportunity to be able to see the differences between the way Italian schools are run versus the way American schools are run.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need any specific vaccines for my study abroad program. However, the health care system in Florence was very different than that of the United States. This was because the health care system in Florence meant that everything was free for the most part. I did have an allergic reaction toward the end of my study abroad program, but I was able to go to an English-speaking doctor and be treated without a problem.

I felt very safe in the area that I stayed in. Like any foreign country, it was important to be aware of our surroundings. But, I never really felt that I was unsafe.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Staff and new friends
• Living Facilities
• Location

• Class organization