CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Florence, Italy

Name: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Florence, Italy
Brand: CEA CAPA Education Abroad
SKU: 15324
Rating: 4.9 (125 reviews)

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4.90 Rating

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Location

Italy
- Florence

Term

Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter

Subject Areas

Advertising Anthropology Art History Arts Business Communications Cultural Studies Design English Fashion Design Film Gender Studies Graphic Design History Humanities Journalism Liberal Arts Linguistics Literature Marketing Performing Arts Philosophy Photography Psychology Social Sciences Sociology Visual Arts +17

Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, Work study, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding

Health & Safety

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Program Details

Program Type

Provider

Degree Level

High School Diploma Associates Bachelors

Housing

Apartment Host Family

Language

English

Pricing

Price Details

Included: Personalized Pre-departure Advising; Tuition & Registration; Travel Medical Insurance; On-site Orientation; Housing; Volunteer Opportunities; On-site Staff Support; Excursions and Cultural Engagement; Host Institution Services & Amenities and more. Scholarships available.

What's Included

Some Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Classes

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2023

Last Reviewed: Apr 01, 2025

Wish List

98 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Capital of Italy’s Tuscany region and known as “the Cradle of the Renaissance,” Florence has long been a source of inspiration for visionaries such as Galileo Galilei, Leonardo da Vinci, and Niccolò Machiavelli. It is known for the Cathedral on the Pizza del Duomo, a domed edifice engineered by Fillipo Brunelleschi, which includes an iconic bell tower rising high above the city. This once-Roman city, established by Julius Ceasar in 59 BC and steeped in history, is the present home to some the worlds top fashion designers and major wine labels.

The CEA CAPA Florence Center offers a variety of learning opportunities in English and Italian where you get to explore the city with your professors as guides.

In addition to Study Abroad programs, explore CEA CAPA Internships Abroad Florence, our dynamic program that provides hands-on, practical experience to help you rise above the competition.

Interested? Click the “Visit Site” button to learn what’s waiting for you!

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Video and Photos

CEA Study Abroad Students in Florence, Italy

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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

BIPOC Support

CEA CAPA provides, in conjunction with Diversity Abroad, Destination Guides which provide resources and tips for Black/African-American students, Latinx students, Asian American students, and all other students of color.

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LGBTQIA+ Support

Through our personalized advising, CEA CAPA takes steps to understand the needs of a diversity of student identities like the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition to diversity and identity training, CEA CAPA leadership engage in continuous department level project work to identify and revise policies and practices using the appropriate Justice, Equity, Diversity or Inclusion lens as a frame to reduce bias and barriers that impact students, faculty, and staff. CEA CAPA is intentional in elevating diverse student voices and providing a platform for a broad array of identities to share their experiences abroad. The CEA CAPA World Blog promotes stories and personal experiences from the perspectives of diverse student bloggers and vloggers.

Neurodivergent Support

CEA CAPA is willing and able to assist students with learning disabilities and physical disabilities. Students are requested to disclose disabilities through the application health forms as part of their application and in discussion with their application advisor or program manager. The earlier CEA CAPA is made aware of learning or physical disabilities the better we can work with the student, institution, and overseas team to tailor an Individualized Education Program if necessary to support the student.

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Impact 🌎

Sustainability

CEA CAPA makes a conscious effort to create study abroad experiences that leave a positive impact on host communities. Each location implements a variety of strategies to support the local community and promote sustainability. Examples include:

Use of recycling bins in Study Center locations and in CEA CAPA housing

Signage in CEA CAPA housing urging students to limit water and electricity usage

Students are often given reusable bags and water bottles upon arrival to limit single plastic use

Students are provided with instructions for acquiring transportation passes to promote use of public transportation rather than taxis

Program Highlights

Hands-on learning experiences that transform the world abroad into a classroom
Personalized Pre-Departure Advising, including visa and immigration support
Courses offered in English that fulfill major and general graduation requirements
Comprehensive on-site support, including 24/7 emergency phone
Career workshops, Internships Abroad, and Alumni Ambassador positions

Program Reviews

4.90 Rating

based on 125 reviews

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Rating Spread Study

5 rating 94.4%
4 rating 4%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 1.6%

Academics 4.2
Support 4.8
Fun 4.85
Housing 4.65
Safety 4.7

Good for Students, Foodies, Photographers

Showing 121 - 125 of 125 reviews

Each day, I would wake up to a soft knock on my bedroom door. My host mom would have breakfast waiting for me at our cute, little kitchen table at 8am. I learned to appreciate routine in Florence. My home was a little outside the city center, so I usually rode my bike to school. Our facility was in the vibrant heart of Florence. Italian class each morning, walking around without a destination during the day. The world truly felt like my playground, and I was 5 years old again. Except this time, without parents of course. I absorbed every air molecule of Florence during the week. Especially, on the sunny days. Whether that meant having a glass of wine by noon in one of the piazzas, or just simply sitting on a bench observing and listening to the Italians. Looking back, I was grateful to be in Florence during the springtime because Italians love their flowers and gardens. Our program director, Grayson Splane, was one of the most amazing women I've ever met. As well as one of the professors, Ian Bickerton. I know I will always stay in contact with these two. Studying abroad is truly magical, and the incredible people you meet along the way end up being the most important advocates and elements of that self-growth.

What would you improve about this program?

I didn't feel as though there was enough diversity in the student population. A lot of students came from Penn State, or they were coming with their boy/girlfriends. I personally don't believe studying abroad is something a person should do with people they know/are familiar with so I was a bit frustrated with this at times. Maybe this was the case because of the high cost of the program.

CEA Florence is a horrible study abroad program. They had no concern for the students, the staff was extremely rude and unhelpful, the living conditions were horrible, faulty and covered in mold, and the teachers were extremely unfit providing zero structure for the classes.

Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

We are very sorry about your experience abroad in Florence, and how you felt about your housing, classes and our staff. We always do the best that we can to attend to students needs before, during and after their travels. We hope you were still able to have an enriching study abroad experience, and that you were able to enjoy Italy and it all it has to offer to young travelers.

By CEA Study Abroad on May 10, 2013

My experience abroad was amazing! Everything I did and learned in Florence helped me grow mentally as a student and as a person, and without CAPA International, none of this would have been possible. The staff members were great! They were super friendly and always available. They helped me with whatever I needed, whether it was how to get to the train station or what restaurant to to try. Lorenzo even came to my apartment with a spare key when I locked myself out (on a Saturday)! My teachers were great and their command of the English language was outstanding; it definitely helped with my learning process. I lived in a safe part of town and my apartment was close enough to the city center. CAPA also provided bus passes for transportation and with MyEducation, they hosted a variety of events.

What would you improve about this program?

I would have loved to have more interaction with Italian students so perhaps planning an event with a local college?

Going to Florence with CAPA was one of the best experiences of my life. It has definitely changed the way I view the world and has even changed my future professional goals. The CAPA staff was really one of the best aspects of the experience- they were so friendly, funny and extremely helpful. I really hope to go to Florence again some day!

What would you improve about this program?

If I had to change one thing, I would implement more ways for American students to meet other Italian students. Other than that, it was great!

CAPA - Florence changed my life. Studying abroad in college was one of the best experiences I could have asked for. I am so happy I picked Florence, Italy and was able to appreciate wine country.

On my first day, CAPA picked us up from the airport and took us to our apartments. We were given maps and specific instructions on how to get to school and around the city. My academics consisted of Italian culture, language, art history, and international business. The teachers were a mix of Americans and Italians. We mostly spoke English at school but CAPA was 100% English speakers. This program would be perfect for someone who doesn't want to learn the language fluently, but has a passion for the culture. My apartment was top of the line and close to major attractions. The public transportation system in Florence is excellent and after a week, you'd have it mastered.

I'd recommend the program to anyone going to Italy. Florence has so many great things to offer.

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

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!

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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.

Danielle Lukas

2014 Alum

Christine Brackenhoff

2014 Alum

Erin Largey

2014 Alum

Brooke Scanlon

2014 Alum

Patrick Scally

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Letizia Ialini

Program

CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Florence, Italy

Job Title

Student Services Advisor, CEA Florence

Letizia studied Economics at the University of Florence. During her university career, she temporarily moved to Bournemouth, England where she worked as a trainee in the financial department of an industrial company. This first experience abroad sparked her interest in traveling and learning, leading her to continue her studies for an academic year in Australia. Letizia greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn a new language, to travel, and to make friends around the world.

female headshot

Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?

Letizia: I studied abroad in Australia and it was the best time of my life. In 2004 I was studying economics at the University of Florence and I knew that an experience abroad would have contributed to make my resume more interesting to the eye of a future employer.

I wanted to have “a plus”, something different from my pears that would graduate the same year as me. I thought that a study abroad experience could make me more flexible, capable to adapt quickly to a new environment and more open minded. All qualities that a future employer would look for when selecting a candidate.

I actually learned so much during my time abroad, much more than I could have ever imagined. Studying abroad has helped me not only on a professional point of view, but also on a personal point of view. I have invaluable memories of my time in Melbourne. I met people from all over the world and after 10 years I am still good friend with most of them.

What was your favorite traveling experience?

Letizia: I don’t like big cities, I never have. I have many traveling experience that are sweet memories in my heart: Tasmania in 2005, Portugal in 2008, and east Australia in 2009, but the one I cherish the most is New Zealand in 2009. My husband and I decided to rent a car and drove from Auckland to the Waipoua Forest which is one part of the largest remaining tract of native forest in the North Island.

Waipoua Forest

The drive to the forest is spectacular: the road winds through huge and spectacular kauri trees, the colors of the sky are indescribable. With a Maori guide we adventured into the forest at dusk and followed a trail that lead us to meet one of the most significant tree, the natives call it Te Matua Ngahere – 'Father of the Forest' – which is huge and estimated to be between 2,500 and 3,000 years old.

The forest at night was magical, many animals, that we would never have seen during the day, were coming out their shelters and we had the feeling of being lucky viewers of an intact world that was exiting a long time ago.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Letizia: Not every student has an easy start. Sometimes studying abroad can be challenging, especially during the first few weeks away from home. Some students start missing home and for different reasons they think that they cannot successfully complete their time abroad.

We always do our best to encourage and support these students and most of the time they decide to remain with us and positively complete their semester abroad. Seeing this students overcome their difficulties in one of the best part of my job. Through this experience they learn they can actually overcome every adverse situation.

They decide to challenge themselves and grow up in a way they usually do not even expect. Hearing from them once they go back home and understand how happy they are they have decided to stay is one of the biggest gratifications we could actually have knowing we, in some way, influenced that decision.

What unique qualities does your company possess?

new zealand view

Letizia: I feel very lucky to be part of the CEA team. CEA is a very dynamic organization and as a company it is always trying to improve. The good thing is that every semester is basically structured as the previous one but really nothing is actually the same. We always work with different students and we continuously try to provide them with the best experience they could possibly find in Florence.

CEA is constantly trying to make progress and get closer to what students really need. New ideas in order to reach a better result are always welcome and I find this attitude rewarding of my efforts. Our team in Florence is made of young people and we all get along very well. This is something that I am sure influence the students experience in many ways as the atmosphere is a very positive one.

Bruno Grazioli

Academic Director, CEA Florence

Emily Schiavone

Center Director, CEA Florence

Alexandra Mitchell

Director of International Programs

Vittoria Chesi

Senior Academic Coordinator, Florence

Location

Location:

Florence

Currency:

Euro

Weather:

Jan-Mar

61 F / 36 F

Apr-Jun

82 F / 45 F

Jul-Sep

90 F / 57 F

Oct-Dec

70 F / 37 F

Airports:

Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola

( FLR )

Gelato festival is April should be enough to get your attention, but this won't be the only thing that keeps you coming back for more. Florence sits in the Tuscany region and is regarded for its artistic history and worldly views.

About CEA CAPA Education Abroad

With 22 destinations across 13 countries, CEA CAPA Education Abroad offers an ideal balance of academics, internships, and adventure to more than 4,000 students each year. Click on “Visit Site” to explore our study and internship opportunities and find out just out how far international education can take you. Why study abroad or complete an...