CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Florence, Italy

I cannot say enough good things about this experience. I went overseas not knowing anyone, which can be very scary, but CEA CAPA made me feel so supported throughout my entire trip. The class went so well and I brought all of my knowledge back home. But CEA CAPA went above and beyond what I expected. They have excursions, cooking classes, tours, etc all included in your plan which helps immerse yourself into the culture. No matter what I needed, they were always so supporting. They CEA CAPA office was in a perfect location as well, easy access to it! 100/10 recommend this program!

My first week in Florence was a culture shock. From the open-air city of Los Angeles to a more compact town like Florence, I was initially taken off guard and scared for my new adventure. Quickly, I realized the worlds that sat behind the yellow concrete buildings. The local coffee shop, which looked similar to the ones on most streets, became a home in itself. The barista quickly learned my name and order, and each morning, I was comforted by the familiar face. Between classes, I'd wander off into a random church, only to experience the astonishing sights of Brunelleschi's work. His ability to create illusions of space in otherwise standard construction was incredible. My free time was never boring. I often went with new friends to check out the local markets or thrift shops between classes. Or, we would grab a cappuccino with our professor and hear about her favorite places in Florence. We would sit outside the Duomo just minutes from campus to admire the building and people-watch tourists. The school and city filled my time with learning so much about the city's history and how to experience Italy's culture best. I took quick trains around Italy many weekends to see amazing new places. But, at the end of those trips, I was always excited to return to my new home away from home.

What I appreciated most about my experience with CEA CAPA Florence was how integrated my program was with the host city and culture. Because the CEA CAPA Florence building is located in such a lively and bustling part of the city (Santa Croce), it really felt like the city was our campus. Each day, we were encouraged by the staff and faculty to take advantage of this. There were numerous excursions to go on and activities to do.

During my semester abroad, I had the opportunity to participate in Ganzo! (an Italian slang word meaning “cool"), a cultural exchange program that matches study abroad students with local families. Being able to create a connection with my Ganzo! family allowed me to practice the language and immerse myself in Italian culture in ways that would’ve been difficult to encounter otherwise. Ganzo! was definitely a highlight of my experience. I appreciate CEA CAPA’s commitment to pushing students to immerse themselves in their host country’s culture by offering volunteer programs such as Ganzo!

I have always wanted to study abroad and heard about CEA CAPA from a friend. Applying to the program was straightforward and easy, they helped with any questions along the way. Once I got to Florence they provided ample resources and help for any needs I had. The classes were great and teachers were excellent. The program also provided multiple day trips around Italy which were a great way to bond with others from the program. The housing was great and right in the middle of the city, I was able to walk to everything. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, highly recommend!

CEA CAPA's Florence program was everything I wanted abroad and more. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed into our cute apartments in a great location within the city. I immediately became best friends with all my roommates after entering the program knowing no one. Orientation was a great way to provide us with tips, expectations, and reassurance. Throughout the semester, my small class sizes allowed me to become better friends with my classroom peers as well as my teachers. The staff were always friendly and here to help. There were many opportunities offered throughout the course of the semester such as cooking classes, climbing the bell tower, and more. I absolutely loved everyone I met, felt super comfortable talking with the CEA staff about any problems or concerns I had, and I fell in love with Florence!

The decision to go abroad was a matter of two decisions. Where do I want to go and which program do I want to go through? For me personally growing up, my Italian heritage was always something that resonated with me. Whether it was making homemade sauce with my grandfather, or memorizing Italian phrases with my cousins, Italy brings nothing but fond memories to mind. Choosing Italy was definite. When looking into all the different programs my school had to offer, CEA CAPA stuck out to me. There was not a single course offered that doesn't pique my interest. When making the decision to go abroad, I had completed most of my major requirements so the fact that this program had so many interesting courses to fill my schedule was a huge benefit for me. Another great opportunity is the option to pursue an internship to expand career experience. There was not a day during my application process and time in Florence where I didn't feel supported by my CAPA advisors. I knew that with CAPA, my experience abroad would change and inspire me in a way that no other program could. With CAPA, Florence felt like a home away from home.

I was very anxious to go abroad, but I should not have been anxious at all. Throughout my four months in Florence, Italy, CEA CAPA provided everything I needed to make sure I was always confident and comfortable. The location was amazing for the topics that I studied - art history, fashion, cinema - there was always so much to pull from and go see. I was also scared having never learned or spoken Italian before, but I never had a problem getting around and many spoke English, and the teachers were always very supportive in helping us be more open and work hard. My Italian teacher was actually my favorite teacher since she was a tour guide and somehow knew everyone in Florence! I also lived in The Social Hub in Florence, and the building had everything I needed and more - it was so beautiful and I will literally dream about going back to that rooftop bar and pool for the rest of my life. I'll also miss all of my favorite haunts that I came across during my time there and just how magical they all felt.

I had an amazing experience studying abroad in the Fall 2023 semester in Florence, Italy through the CEA Program. The variety of course offerings, professor-student relationships, and out-of-class activities were incredible. I had the opportunity to learn Italian, meet with professors outside of class, and attend a pasta-making class through CEA! I loved the food and culture of Florence with its tight-knit community and authentic, traditional recipes. It was an experience I will never forget and I hope to return soon!