Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best semester of my life! Past Review

By (Robert Morris University) - abroad from 01/10/2019 to 04/18/2019 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be extremely independent. I went completely on my own and it was my first time out of the US. I came back a completely different person and it was very worthwhile.

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.

My classes taught me a lot but weren't too challenging that I was constantly studying

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were nice but when I was having roommate issues they were very unhelpful and didn't reprimand her for breaking our housing rules

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was right in the heart of Sante Croce which was only a 5 minute walk to school

* Food:

The food in Italy is amazing

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was very easy to make friends

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have a problem with the doctor CAPA offers

* Safety:

Florence was overall a safe city

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

I would choose to do a CAPA program in another location because they give a discount to returning students.

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)

I budgeted a lot of money for this trip because I knew I wanted to travel a lot - therefore I spent a lot. You can EASILY go abroad for way less money than I did - I just didn't really worry about it when I was there because I knew I wouldn't ever get this chance again

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I could've saved so much money by not buying clothes or other souvenirs while I was there - I ended up having to throw away SO much at the end of my program because I couldn't bring it in my suitcase. refrain from shopping and don't eat out every meal. Also, alcohol gets expensive so don't drink as much!

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

I decided not to take a language course.

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? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Florence has a lot of English speakers so I didn't find it to be an issue.

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?
  • Traveling
  • Friends
  • Florence - the food and culture
* What could be improved?
  • The Staff
  • Excursions
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To not spend as much money while you're there.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.