Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Florence Experience Past Review

By (George Mason University) - abroad from 01/03/2020 to 04/24/2020 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to adapt, I learned to be flexible and most of all I learned about a completely new culture.

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 staff were always there for us whenever we need guidance through anything. Very well educated teachers, all being experts at what they were teaching

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

AMAZING! All administrators were willing to help and most importantly were always available for all students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was beautiful and very well located. In the middle of the city center and a 10 minute walk from the CAPA center.

* Food:

This was my favorite part of being in Florence. I experimented with all different types of foods and a huge amount of restaurants. Never ending number of restaurants in the center.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Patience is key, it will take everyone time to adapt. Remember this is a whole new place and whole other lifestyle. It is challenging but an amazing adventure.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not personally have an experience with health care, but for those who did I did not hear of anything negative that occurred.

* Safety:

Overall, Florence is a very safe city, however it is best to have a buddy especially late at night

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

CAPA Florence was amazing the support and resources were incredible.

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)

Florence is not an expensive city and is totally affordable. Groceries are reasonable as well as restaurants. Transportation such as trains can be pricey at times.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set an amount you'd like to spend each week, it is very easy to stop by stores and spend money because Florence is filled with shops and restaurants.

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 was required to take Italian and were encouraged to speak often.

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? Did not take any Italian previous to departure
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Always practice every interaction try to use Italian as much as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Location
  • Classes
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-Departure Information
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more details regarding the program. Felt lost going into it.

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.