Attending CEA Florence was the best decision I have ever made in my entire life. Past Review

By (Agricultural Science, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was the most amazing experience of my life. CEA Florence became my family and Florence became my home. Studying abroad is something every individual should do if he or she has the opportunity, and CEA is the best program to study with. This experience will teach you things about yourself and make you a more independent person. I will always hold this experience close to my heart, and CEA was a big part of that.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes that I took in Florence were wonderful. The teachers are aware that you will be traveling and enjoying your experience, and so they keep the workload light while still giving you a lot of good information on the subjects you are taking.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was absolutely gorgeous and grew to feel like my home.

* Food:

The food in Italy is incredible...but some places that I would recommend would be Gusta Panino, Gusta Pizza, I Fratellino, 4 Leoni, Napoleone, and the Oil Shoppe. Make sure to try things you normally wouldn't!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

The Italian class that I took was great. I feel confident in the Italian that I have learned and was able to use it to my use around Florence and around Italy in general. Antonella is very dedicated to her students and will help you with any questions that you have.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Iconography

Course Department:
Instructor: Angela Oberer
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was THE BEST class I have ever taken...ever. I didn't really know what I was getting myself in to when I signed up for this class, and it turned out to be a fantastic decision. You will learn about different symbols in art and how to read them and spot them when you see them. Angela was my favorite teacher at CEA. She knows an incredible amount about art and is so funny. The class lectures are largely held outside of the classroom and you will visit different churches and sights around Florence, which makes the experience even more special. To be able to see the art you are learning about right in front of you and know how to decipher what certain things mean gives new meaning to education. This class deepened my appreciation for art and I don't think I have ever paid so much attention or been so excited to go to a class. Regardless if you will get college credit for this class or not, Iconography is a MUST if you are studying abroad.
Credit Transfer Issues: