Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Mount Saint Mary College) - abroad from 05/24/2018 to 06/20/2018 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I didn't learn anything extra besides what was offered in my class and a better way to find where I am going. The trip was definitely worth it and I will be back soon.

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.

I believe that I learned more in a month than I have in a whole semester of college. The information I learned through studying the brain and art history open my eyes to a new world. I learned that science or the medical field developed in Italy and if it didn't we might not the medical field we have today.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The country, Italy was the most beautiful place that I have been to. After leaving Italy, I made the decision to move there once I have my career and the resources. CAPA made sure we all were able to get the real Italian experience. Anytime myself or others had questions or needed some type of information, CAPA made sure they helped me as quick as possible. That put me at ease because it is stressful to be in another country and not know how to do anything or get around.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangement was amazing because it made me feel like I was at home. I liked that I was in a place that was secure and quite. It is nice to come back to your own residence and spend time with your friends, not having to worry about anyone bothering you or bothering them.

* Food:

Every cuisine that I had amazed me and was unbelievable. The whole entire time I was in Italy, I kept saying "you can not compare this to American food". The food to me taste fresh and is very proportionate. In America the food portion is to big and it makes you feel regret after consuming it. Italy's food is the best food I ever had and was very sad to leave.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did feel as if I was apart of the culture because it seemed alike to me. There was no language barrier at every place we went to because most people know English or Spanish. After being in Italy for so long, myself and others actually believed we were Italian and we had been in Italy our entire lives.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

When I was sick, I did not get better until I back to the United States because Italy did not have the proper medicine for me to consume. I also, had a friend who ended up breaking her ankle and was told by a doctor in Italy that it was sprained. The hospital also, made her walk with her friend without transportation to her residence. That made everything for difficult for her and her friends who had to take care of her during her injury.

* Safety:

Italy is the most safest place I believe I have been. I felt very comfortable to walk by myself and explore Italy or go spend time with my friends.

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

I would choose the same program if the program I wanted was available.

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)

While in Italy, I was not able to survive on my student budget because of international fees. My father helped me with all my finances when it came to going to Italy, living in Italy, and leaving Italy.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I don't having any saving tips because I did everything I wanted no mater the cost.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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 Introduction Trip and Trips
  • the classes
  • the overall experience
* What could be improved?
  • longer program time
  • different restaurant for the farewell dinner
  • more class trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to get to certain places, instead of finding them when I'm lost.

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!