Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Why Study Abroad with CAPA Past Review

By (Hood College) - abroad from 01/15/2016 to 04/23/2016 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained skills in being self-reliant. I was already independent before studying abroad due to being an only child. However, while abroad, I learned to do things on my own instead of relying on my parents to do things for me. I was completely out of my comfort zone when entering Italy, but left with more confidence that I have ever had.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

CAPA offers a wide range of classes for all majors. The professors are there to help you when needed. I learned a lot about Italian culture!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were there if you needed anything and were more than willing to answer any questions you had. Very helpful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a homestay and it was one of the best decisions I made while being abroad. I loved the family that I was with. They took me in like I was their own and I felt very comfortable living with them. I loved my apartment, it was in a great location!

* Food:

Italian food was amazing, nothing like you would have here in the United States. My host mom was an excellent cook!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived with a host family so I was completely immersed in the culture there. I also volunteered at a local school in an English classroom. It was hard to adapt to a new language, but taking Beginner Italian helped a lot!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

CAPA was more than willing to assist you with finding a doctor near by that spoke English. The trips I took to the doctors was easy and I received the care I needed.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in the city. The only thing I recommend is for students to use the buddy system and walk with your friends, especially at night. You always want to be cautious and think twice before doing something.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Studying abroad was the best decision I have made in my life. CAPA was a huge part of this!

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)

It was easy because I lived in a homestay and two out of three of my meals everyday were provided for me. I would purchase a few things for lunches and for snacks during the day. Also, everything is extremely cheap in Florence and it's easy to find lunch for under 5 Euros!

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much money as you can before studying abroad!! It comes in handy when you want to take weekend trips!

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 staff that was in the building every day would encourage you to speak to them in Italian even if you didn't know much. My Italian teacher would only speak to us in Italian and it was easy to pick up the language fast!

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Fluent in Spanish.
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Practice as much as possible. It becomes easier to pick up what people around you are saying. Also try to connect with locals and immerse yourself more into the culture.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • There was a variety of classes and the staff was helpful.
  • My apartment was in the center of the city and easily accessible to most things.
  • My host family was amazing!
* What could be improved?
  • Internship possibility for none Italian speaking students.
  • Easier way of receiving healthcare money back.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how cold it was going to be in the beginning of my program and that I had brought some warmer clothes. You have to walk everywhere so be prepared for the cold weather!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!