Why did you choose this program?
Long before college, I knew I would eventually like to study abroad. Of course, I had no idea which program to choose until I began researching in 2015, but I knew one thing for certain: I was going to Italy.
After meeting (many times) with my home university's study abroad advisor to learn about my options, the CAPA program was far-and-away the best fit for me and my course requirements.
With this program, I was able to study in my dream location of Florence, Italy, and take classes that would all go towards my major, minor, and general education requirements. I wanted to make sure I was receiving the most I possibly could from my study abroad. CAPA gave me that.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
A month before our program's start date, CAPA and my home university provided each student with a pre-departure packing list and other helpful tips. With these materials, students were informed of the possible cultural shock that can be experienced, what to expect on your day of arrival, and preparation for orientation.
My favorite piece of these helpful tips was the packing list. It's definitely important to prepare for the weather changes in your city abroad!
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. The CAPA staff treat each of their students like family. Throughout the program, there will be "family dinners", tours through Florence, and one-of-a-kind experiences to better understand the Florentine and Italian cultures.
All of these trips were free to CAPA students and excellent resources to get to know CAPA staff, other students, and your professors.
Take everything in and really push yourself. Try things that intrigue you and participate in activities that interest you.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
Most students had 1-2 classes a day, with a break midday to grab a yummy and cheap lunch. I loved hearing of new restaurant recommendations for the CAPA staff.
Depending upon your breaks and class times (can be anywhere from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 3 hours), you should have plenty of time to enjoy Florence in the afternoon and evening. This is the perfect time to go shopping and exploring!
At night, hang with friends to experience Florence's fun nightlife. Again, CAPA can provide the best recommendations for places to go at night, all of which are safe and centrally located. My roommates and I would go out to eat or to a club 2-3 times a week and did our studying earlier in the day.
Like in the States, most students spend Sunday as their catch-up and relaxation day.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
Before abroad, I was really concerned about learning the Italian language. I knew nothing going into my program and was really concerned I wouldn't be able to communicate with locals. To combat this, I took Beginners Italian with CAPA, which was 3 days a week.
This course prepared me with so much more than just the foundations of Italians. CAPA professors are very understanding of what American students go through in foreign countries. My Italian professor did an excellent job at preparing us with common phrases and good vocabulary to know while walking through and living in Florence.
Also, I quickly learned that the more I spoke with locals and attempted my Italian, the stronger my Italian got. Locals love to see Americans make attempts to speak Italian and are willing to help without embarrassing you! Definitely take advantage of this and get to know people!
Of all the aspects of living abroad, what was your very favorite?
The locals. Between the CAPA staff, restaurant workers, and shop keepers, I met some of the very best people in Florence. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming to me. Traveling abroad, especially for the first time, can be rather frightening.
From the moment I touched down in Florence to the end of my program, I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe. Each day, I was spoken to politely and Florentines really seemed to care for their visitors.
If you take anything from what I've said, please understand that talking to the locals of Florence and Italy is so important. I am so grateful for these friendships and people, many of whom I still speak with through Facebook. They made my abroad experience so much brighter than I ever could have anticipated or dreamed of.
