Why did you decide to study abroad with CAPA in Italy?
Patrick: I began my career at IU as an athlete and when I stopped swimming after my sophomore year I was looking to experience all the things I'd missed when I was an athlete. Study abroad was something I had wanted to do since I was in high school and as a third semester Italian student I figured that going abroad was a great way to finish my language requirements and have a little fun in the process. CAPA Florence had everything I was looking for including easy credit transfer, an Italian language program, apartment style housing options, and a program to help enrich your experience with outings and opportunities called the MyEducation program.
What made this study abroad experience unique and special?
Patrick: The people were the best part of this experience. The teachers and staff with CAPA were so helpful and attentive when it came to making your experience as amazing as possible. The Italian people we had daily interactions with such as our landlord, the lady down the hall with the happy dog, or the restaurant owner where we got a panini everyday really made the experience feel homey by helping with our Italian and giving us a taste of the Italian culture. Lastly the friends I made on the trip genuine changed my life. I never expected to bond so tightly with people in such a short time, but I can honestly say that some of the people I became friends with abroad will be people I am friends with for a lifetime!
How has this experience impacted your future?
Patrick: Going abroad has changed me as a person completely. Living abroad changed my perspective on the world and opened my eyes to a lot of possibilities and nuances I hadn't noticed before. I feel like I came home a more mature, well-rounded, well-traveled, and understanding person than when I left. I feel more tolerant and accepting of cultural differences having myself lived in a place where things I did may have not been the norm. It was a life-changing experience which I would recommend to anyone and everyone!
What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering studying abroad in Italy?
Patrick: Don't be afraid to try the things that are a little scary at times. Whether it be the extremely foreign thing on the menu, using what little Italian you know to strike up a conversation with a stranger, or traveling to a place you'd never imagine you'd go, those experiences are the ones that you learn from the most and the ones that will have the strongest impact on your life.