Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Florence: The Best 4 Months of My Life Past Review

By (Economics, University of California - Davis) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
If I could give the overall satisfaction question 10 stars, I would. Studying abroad is a life changing experience (sorry there isn't a less-cliche way to say it!). It opens you up to new cultures and experiences and can completely change the way you view yourself and the world. After studying abroad, I added a Global and International Studies minor to my coursework and am working with a study abroad center at my home university. Staying in the field of studying abroad is definitely a possibility in my future and I can't wait to see what else comes from this experience!

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors at CEA were incredible. Not only did they give us a well rounded Italian education, but their passion for their field of study made it impossible to not get excited about whatever it was that they were teaching. The workload was enough to actually teach you something, but managable enough to let you explore Florence and other parts of Europe as well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff at CEA was incredible. They cared about each and every student and wanted us to not only enjoy our time in Florence, but to fall head over heels in love with it. Whether it was restaurant recommendations or helping us set up our Italian phones, they were there for us every step of the way to ensure we got everything we expected out of our program and so much more.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were located in the heart of the city, right next to the Duomo, but lived in a building with regular Italians and had wonderful local restaurants right under our apartment. The location could not have been better and the true Italian style of the apartment let us really feel like locals.

* Food:

Try everything at least once, you will be surprised by some of the things you will love. And eat gelato everyday, you will never regret it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Excursions were incredible and there were always fun things to do in Florence that the CEA staff arranged for us. Cooking classes, community service, anything you can think of the staff offered or was willing to help you plan yourself. It was a great way to get involved with the community.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe in Florence, but we were always aware of our surroundings. Don't be the stereotypical American tourist and you will be fine. When we got sick, the pharmacies in Florence are wonderful and were able to help us find the perfect medicine to get us back on track.

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

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

The language classes were suplemented with optional conversation partner set ups with local students to help improve your language skills. In Florence you can get by in most situations with English, but speaking Italian definitely adds to your experience and alters the way the locals view American students.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Staff
  • The Food!
  • The City
* What could be improved?
  • Don't make us leave!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Find a program that has what you're looking for. CEA fulfilled any expectations that I had prior to studying abroad and far surpassed them as well. I wouldn't change a thing about my time abroad, except that it had to end! Even one year later, I maintain a wonderful relationship with the life-long friends I made and the CEA staff alike. Thank you for the best time of my life CEA!