Tours in Tuscany Past Review

By (D'Youville College) - abroad from 05/27/2018 to 06/17/2018 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Florence, Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about cultural competency, Italian language, and culture, and Italian healthcare. It was worthwhile for my major.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartments in the center of Florence

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Long weekends, many field trips, apartments in the center of Florence

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Easily accessible, spoke English, CAPA staff helped me get an appointment. Did not need a specific vaccine.

* Safety:

Be aware of pickpocketing

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

CAPA staff are willing to help with anything from directions, to food recommendations, to translating and teaching the language.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $90-$115
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook with your classmates and split the grocery bill to save on grocery costs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the apartments
  • the staff
  • the field trips
* What could be improved?
  • pricing
  • scholarships
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I didn't pack as much as I did. I wish that I had more room in my suitcase for my souveniers.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.