CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Florence, Italy

This was the best experience of my life. CEA CAPA made it so easy to adjust and there were always new activities that were free. We did a cooking class that was so fun. I also did a gelato tour which gave me so many good new places to take my family to when they visited. They also were able to set me up with a "host family" who I would see every week and do activities with/go to their house for dinner. Interacting with locals was made easy through this. Also our housing was right next to the Duomo. Our house was beautiful and spacious. I loved every second and would go back in a heartbeat. Could not recommend anything more!

Studying abroad in Florence would be a magical experience regardless of which program I chose, however, I am so glad I studied abroad with CEA CAPA because their classes infuse the spirit and contemporary culture of Florence into their curriculum. The "core class" that I took along with my other CEA CAPA classes was "Exploring and Analyzing the City of Florence". It not only educated me on the origins of Florence and its history but showed me the importance of urban analysis to create my own, personal image of contemporary Florence. I felt that I was truly able to explore the city and start to actually feel at home through this class. My other classes educated me on the feminist art history of Florence and also the contemporary cinema of Italy as a whole, which helped me to understand the differences in regions throughout Italy and how cinema plays a role in Italian culture. The program also provides lots of social opportunities and some cooking classes as well, and they really encourage students to engage in these activities. The housing is also really great, our apartment had old frescoes on the ceiling and was quite spacious, and maintenance was quick to make repairs or help us when issues arose. They also have a very helpful orientation to help alleviate culture shock and have many resources to help students acclimate to the new area they've thrown themselves into. Overall I really enjoyed my time in Florence with CEA CAPA and I don't think there is much I would change about my experience.

At first when I decided I would like to go abroad I was very overwhelmed by not only the options but also the steps I would have to take in order to make going abroad possible. From buying flights, getting a Visa, deadlines and dates, arrival procedures, all of it! I am 100% real when I say that CEACAPA was one of the most organised study abroad organisations I have seen. Not only did they have a to-do list with dates and reminders and guidance for everything that you had to complete but they also had themes amazing staff that would awnser any questions you had and were always willing to help even if it were as simple as printing something for you before you arrive to class since you are a little bit late. There was two campuses, both in the middle of the city which gave me the opportunity to explore the heart of the city so much. Levi center campus was in Piazza della Repubblica, literally the heart of the center of Florence. The other Galli Tassi was a few blocks away in a beautiful old building with a lot of history which made studying there soooo beautiful. All front desks ladies were super nice and helpful and my professor extremely knowledgable and fun! I loved this program and the free activities it oferred as well as the experience professors and their methods of teaching they provided. I would absolutely recommend.

I couldn't have better things to say about the CEA CAPA staff and my experience thanks to them. I loved my time abroad and miss it already. I wouldn't choose to go with any other program other than CEA CAPA. From the second I signed up with CEA CAPA to the moment I left I felt supported by the staff off and on campus. I always knew there was someone I could turn to if I needed anything at all. The staff, being everyone from those working at the front desk to your professors, really want you to have an amazing time and care about your well being which makes such a difference.

This past summer, I had an amazing opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy for 4 weeks. I took a class called Women, Art, and Culture in Italy where I had the chance to learn more about women during the Italian Renaissance and be able to go and see art in museums and churches with my class. I am studying Art Education and so I wanted to do something that would help me with my career later on! This trip was definitely an eye opening experience for me since I had never traveled alone before or even out of the country. Traveling without the comfort of another person or my parents was nerve wracking, but I did it even if my travels didn't always go as planned. When I arrived in Rome, I discovered that my luggage was delayed and that was surely an obstacle I had to navigate that I had never been through before. I also experienced countless mishaps with the train while in Italy, but here I am and everything was fine! Something I learned was to never be afraid to ask for help. There were a couple times that I ran into a language barrier, but it always was fine in the end! Overall, this trip was amazing and I dream about going back everyday.

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy, with the CEA CAPA program this spring has been an incredible and unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in the city’s rich culture, history, and vibrant lifestyle. The CEA CAPA team made sure every aspect of my journey was well-organized and supportive, making the transition smooth from start to finish. Academically, studying in Florence was a refreshing change from what I’m used to in the U.S. Classes were smaller, allowing for more personal interaction with professors. The teaching style was much more hands-on, and professors often brought lessons to life with field trips and real-world examples. For example, instead of just reading about Italian cuisine, we visited local markets and took part in tastings and pairings to experience the flavors and traditions firsthand. The pace of the classes was slower than the fast-paced courses I’m used to, but that gave me more time to dive into the material and engage with it on a deeper level. It’s a different approach, but nothing to be intimidated by. The professors were approachable and always willing to answer questions, which made adjusting to this new style of learning much easier. You do need to be prepared for a more independent way of learning, where the focus is on personal engagement and applying knowledge, rather than memorizing facts. Throughout the semester, CEA CAPA provided outstanding support. From pre-departure orientation to ongoing help while in Florence, I always felt well taken care of. The staff was available whenever I needed advice or assistance, whether academic or personal. My housing was in a central location, which made it easy to explore the city and truly experience everything Florence has to offer.

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy with CEA CAPA was truly one of the most transformative experiences of my life, and I cannot recommend it enough. From the moment I arrived, the program provided everything I needed to not only thrive academically but also immerse myself in the rich culture of Italy and form lasting connections with some of the most amazing people.

The staff at CEA CAPA were incredibly supportive, approachable, and attentive. They genuinely wanted you to succeed both in your studies and in your personal experience abroad. The program was well-organized, yet flexible enough to allow for personal exploration. There were always resources available, whether it was academic support or simply advice on where to get the best espresso in town. If you ever had any questions or concerns, the team was just an email or phone call away, and they were always quick to assist.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was the lifelong friendships I made. I was placed in a shared apartment with a group of strangers who quickly became my closest friends. These roommates, who initially felt like complete strangers, ended up being the people I spent my days with, exploring Florence, studying together, and traveling around Europe. We shared so many experiences that I know will bond us for years to come. The program’s emphasis on group excursions and activities fostered an environment of camaraderie, and I genuinely felt like I was a part of a close-knit community during my time there.One of the most unexpected and rewarding aspects of the program was the lifelong friendships I made. I was placed in a shared apartment with a group of strangers who quickly became my closest friends. These roommates, who initially felt like complete strangers, ended up being the people I spent my days with, exploring Florence, studying together, and traveling around Europe.

I interned for a small organic sustainable shop. Here, I was able to make a big impact on the company, and in return it made a huge impact on me. I learned about various business operations, more about marketing, running a business, and analysis. It also challenged my organization and communication skills. CEA CAPA was so supportive throughout the whole experience and I could not reccommend them enough. Importantly, this experience has allowed me to land a lot of great interviews for the upcoming summer.