Life Changing Semester Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes at CEA Florence were fun, interactive, and gave me the tools I needed to be able to experience Florence to the fullest. My professors are some of my new favorite people. They are all clearly very knowledgable and passionate about what they teach, which made learning that much more enjoyable and meaningful. The professors were also very patient and understanding with our individual schedules regarding travel, family visits, etc.

On-site administration of your program

The CEA administrators are some of the most caring, kind, sincere people I have ever had the privilege to know. They are always so willing to help, have (or will find) an answer to every question, are there any time you need them, and go far above and beyond any expectations I had. I am SO thankful for the amazing administrators at CEA. Their support, the activities they offered, the friendly smiles and conversation they offered each day made them the cherries on top of a wonderful study abroad experience. I love my CEA admin!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment offered to by CEA was very nice, spacious, and had an excellent location. I shared an apartment with 6 other girls, but it never felt too crowded. The neighbors and landlord were pleasant, and I have never felt unsafe in my apartment or the surrounding neighborhood.

The meals hosted by CEA had some of the best food I had the please of eating in Florence. The food in Florence was wonderful in general, and I'm definitely going to have withdrawals when I get home!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

CEA organized for us a meeting with a local Italian University student. I thought this was an awesome because it's hard for some people to go out of their way to meet locals their age, and school provided a comfortable, fun setting for this. CEA also made a lot of cultural immersion activities available to us, such as paper marbling and cooking classes, which were so much fun! We also had the opportunity to volunteer in the community through CEA.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally didn't use any health care services while aboard, but I know that those who did need assistance received it, and CEA staff members were very helpful and supportive of them.

I have never felt unsafe in Florence. As CEA told us, as long as you are sensible, there is a very little chance that you will ever be put into harms way. Florence is a very safe, friendly city! Any concerns, questions, or incidents that we had during our time abroad were handled quickly and effectively by CEA staff. They rock!

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

Studying abroad can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you like. It all depends on what you do, where you travel to, and how much you eat out. I personally travelled most of my weekends and really like to eat out, so I spent quite a bit each week. A lot of weeks just staying in Florence were very inexpensive, though.

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

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans

• Staff
• Classes
• Other students

• Nothing

The Avid Adventurer