My abroad experience through CEA CAPA Florence was nothing short of amazing. Going into it, I was eager and anxious and did not really know what to expect. As soon as I arrived, the staff instantly made Florence feel like a home away from home. I was able to experience culture, food, social scenes, and many countries. The professors and on campus staff were always willing and eager to help which made saying goodbyes so much harder. Being back from my experience for over a month, I still think about it daily!

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I knew I wanted to be apart of a program that would let me experience Italian culture beyond just being a tourist, and this program was the perfect fit for me. I lived in an apartment with five other students. We lived by a tram stop which made getting into the city very easy.

One of my favorite parts of the program was volunteering at a local elementary school, where I helped to teach first graders English. At first, I was nervous because many of the kids spoke little to no English, but it allowed me to grow in many ways. I learned how to slow down, use gestures, and communicate with kids of different ages. The kids were so sweet and excited to have me in their classroom. Seeing their excitement when I would present a powerpoint each week was a highlight of my semester.

The program staff were also incredibly supportive and welcoming. They always gave great advice on navigating Florence, helped us to plan where to go on the weekends, and checked in regularly to make sure we were adjusting well. I never felt like I was on my own if something came up.

If I could change one thing, I wish there had been a little more structure for connecting students with locals outside of volunteering. While I made amazing friends within my program, I do wish I was able to build a connection with Italian students my age.

Overall, this experience gave me more independence, confidence, and perspective than I ever expected. I left Florence not only with unforgettable memories, but also skills I will carry into my future career!

I would highly recommend studying abroad in Florence, Italy, for many reasons. For me personally, I am not much of a city girl, and I felt a bit overwhelmed in places like Rome and Madrid, Spain, where everything was very spaced out and the city was very large. But in Florence I felt at home, a very walkable and cozy environment with lots of music, art, and great food on every corner. I miss it so much, I am already looking at when I can go back. CEA CAPA staff was amazing and so helpful through every step of the process. If I could redo my time there, I would!

I studied abroad in Florence in the Spring of 2025, and I can confidently say it was the best decision of my life. The classes I took, the professors I met, the lifelong friends I made, and even the connections I made with the employees of our local pizzeria have made the most positive impact on me. Every moment of studying abroad was a learning experience in the best way possible. I was able to understand Italian culture, learn more about marketing, try the best new foods, and explore the city to the fullest. I 100% recommend studying with CEA CAPA, especially for the staff support and ability to get involved.

Obviously not everything can go right when studying abroad. Apartments are different, roommates are different and of course you are in a whole different country. This can be very stressful but its something that happens to everyone while studying abroad. Maybe you don't get along with your roommate or something is wrong with the apartment, or you just really aren't adjusting well. Well, I experienced those things, but CEA CAPA employees were so helpful and really impacted my time in Florence. They were also so friendly and caring and noticed when things needed fixing. Highly Recommend!

Upon arriving in Florence, I was both nervous and excited for the journey ahead. Studying abroad had always been a dream of mine, and while Florence wasn’t my first choice, I couldn’t be more grateful that it became my home for the semester. I quickly fell in love with walking everywhere whether to class, a restaurant, or simply to clear my head and take in the sights. I was fortunate that my apartment was right next to Santa Croce and only a five-minute walk from my classes, which made the city feel both welcoming and accessible.

What surprised me most was how much my classes shaped my experience, particularly one of my communications courses. One day, my professor shared a quote by Albert Camus: “There is no pleasure in traveling, and I look upon it as an occasion for spiritual testing.” At first, I didn’t understand what it meant. But as the semester unfolded, I realized that to truly understand travel, you have to embrace discomfort and unfamiliar situations. It’s in those moments of uncertainty that you grow the most. I initially thought studying abroad would be perfect, that every moment would feel magical simply because I was in Italy. But the truth is, not everything went as I expected. There were times when I felt homesick, scared, or out of place. Yet those moments challenged me to face my fears, step outside my comfort zone, and discover strengths I didn’t know I had. Florence taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of saying yes to new experiences, even when they feel daunting.

In the end, my time abroad was not just about seeing beautiful art, history, and culture; it was about becoming a stronger version of myself. Traveling isn’t always easy, but it shapes you in ways that last a lifetime. For that, I am incredibly grateful. Thank you, CEA CAPA, for giving me a life-changing experience that I will carry with me forever.

My time abroad was truly unforgettable. I was able to learn so much about myself and immerse into the culture. I studied in Florence, however, one of the greatest experiences I had abroad took place in Rome. I was able to connect with ancestors that live in Rome! On top of that, my Italian language course was super beneficial to my experience. All my course teachers enjoyed learning from us just as much as we enjoyed learning about them. We had a lovely apartment through CEA CAPA in the middle of the Santa Croce neighborhood. One of the best parts about CEA CAPA is all the events they set up for the students. We were able to do day trips, knitting classes, museum tours, cooking classes, and so much more! It was super simple to sign up and show up which kept us busy while being away from home and getting used to our new envoirnment.

This program offered me the perfect blend of independence and support. I learned a lot in my classes, but I was not overwhelmed with schoolwork and was more than able to explore the city and lots of places across Europe. The on-site staff was helpful, kind, and friendly, with great advice and recommendations. The excursions were also super fun and a great way to meet people, and they were included with the program fee. My biggest recommendation is to make the most of the experience without putting unnecessary pressure and stress on yourself (and your finances!). Your experience will be different from everyone else's, especially compared to what people post on social media, so don't get caught up in comparisons. Focus on doing things you value with people you enjoy spending time with (or by yourself!).