Il migliore - grazie CET! March 31, 2025

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

CET provides a selection of courses with rigorous yet reasonable workloads. My classes were small, typically about 8-15 students, allowing for an individualized experience and engaging class discussions. Each professor was accommodating, knowledgable, and willing to work with each student on an individual level. CET provided textbooks, as well as art supplies for my Florence Sketchbook course, which was greatly appreciated. My Beginning Italian course allowed me to navigate the city with confidence, and I was able to acquire credits for both of my majors.

On-site administration of your program

CET has a wonderful team on the ground in Florence, providing all the support students could need. The program coordinators are friendly and helpful, always offering useful advice and helping us to assimilate. Likewise, the activity coordinators are wonderful and welcoming hosts for the many program activities and excursions.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing plays a large role in bringing students a truly immersive experience. I lived in the historic city center, only a short walk away from incredible landmarks, art, and architecture. Students are housed within walking distance of the CET center, and I had only a short walk to class each morning. Living in an apartment provided me with an authentic experience, and I always felt safe and comfortable in my housing.

Florence has cuisine suitable for various dietary restrictions. There were sometimes gluten-free options, and as a vegetarian, I found that I had plenty of options. Additionally, I found groceries and restaurants to be more affordable in Florence than in many of the other cities I visited.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Florence has many study abroad students, which brings both pros and cons. While the locals are accustomed to the multitude of visiting students in the city, it can be slightly more challenging to engage with local Italians, as there is such a large number of students, particularly American ones. However, several of my professors were Italian, which I really valued. Additionally, CET activities helped students to feel more immersed into the local culture. For example, the program provided meals at local, authentic restaurants, a trip to a Fiorentina soccer game, and system of matching students with local families for a homemade meal.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have health issues during the program, but all students in the program had insurance cards ready should the need arise. I did have a cold several times, but the many pharmacies in Florence, where you can consult with a professional, sufficed. I did not need to get any additional vaccines for this program, and I did not notice any prevalent health issues.

I felt safe in Florence. During my semester, there were a few instances of jewelry theft of students in other programs, but I never experienced any malicious or unsafe encounters.

I could not have asked for a better semester abroad -- it was just what I hoped for and more. I truly felt connected to my host city and supported by my program all the while. I appreciated having small classes and engaging coursework. I also loved every CET activity, and having a small program allowed students from the various colleges and universities who participate in CET Florence to become close. Site visits with my classes also helped me to have an academically and culturally enriching experience.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Studying abroad is generally more expensive than being on campus, due to traveling, lack of a dining plan, typically not working, etc., but I found managing my finances to be easier than anticipated.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The program encouraged us to use the language when appropriate and gave us the skills necessary to do so. For example, I went into the program with no background in the language, but through my Italian course, I became capable of having interactions in Italian. However, it is possible to navigate the city even before these skills have been developed in class.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans

• Program activities, such as our trip to Rome and cooking classes
• Fun and supportive faculty and staff
• The focus on ensuring students are truly immersed

• Offering another studio art class

The Outright Urbanite