CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Florence, Italy

Name: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Florence, Italy
Brand: CEA CAPA Education Abroad
SKU: 15324
Rating: 4.9 (125 reviews)

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4.90 Rating

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Location

Italy
- Florence

Term

Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter

Subject Areas

Advertising Anthropology Art History Arts Business Communications Cultural Studies Design English Fashion Design Film Gender Studies Graphic Design History Humanities Journalism Liberal Arts Linguistics Literature Marketing Performing Arts Philosophy Photography Psychology Social Sciences Sociology Visual Arts +17

Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, Work study, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding

Health & Safety

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Program Details

Program Type

Provider

Degree Level

High School Diploma Associates Bachelors

Housing

Apartment Host Family

Language

English

Pricing

Price Details

Included: Personalized Pre-departure Advising; Tuition & Registration; Travel Medical Insurance; On-site Orientation; Housing; Volunteer Opportunities; On-site Staff Support; Excursions and Cultural Engagement; Host Institution Services & Amenities and more. Scholarships available.

What's Included

Some Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Classes

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2023

Last Reviewed: Apr 01, 2025

Wish List

98 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Capital of Italy’s Tuscany region and known as “the Cradle of the Renaissance,” Florence has long been a source of inspiration for visionaries such as Galileo Galilei, Leonardo da Vinci, and Niccolò Machiavelli. It is known for the Cathedral on the Pizza del Duomo, a domed edifice engineered by Fillipo Brunelleschi, which includes an iconic bell tower rising high above the city. This once-Roman city, established by Julius Ceasar in 59 BC and steeped in history, is the present home to some the worlds top fashion designers and major wine labels.

The CEA CAPA Florence Center offers a variety of learning opportunities in English and Italian where you get to explore the city with your professors as guides.

In addition to Study Abroad programs, explore CEA CAPA Internships Abroad Florence, our dynamic program that provides hands-on, practical experience to help you rise above the competition.

Interested? Click the “Visit Site” button to learn what’s waiting for you!

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Video and Photos

CEA Study Abroad Students in Florence, Italy

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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

BIPOC Support

CEA CAPA provides, in conjunction with Diversity Abroad, Destination Guides which provide resources and tips for Black/African-American students, Latinx students, Asian American students, and all other students of color.

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LGBTQIA+ Support

Through our personalized advising, CEA CAPA takes steps to understand the needs of a diversity of student identities like the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition to diversity and identity training, CEA CAPA leadership engage in continuous department level project work to identify and revise policies and practices using the appropriate Justice, Equity, Diversity or Inclusion lens as a frame to reduce bias and barriers that impact students, faculty, and staff. CEA CAPA is intentional in elevating diverse student voices and providing a platform for a broad array of identities to share their experiences abroad. The CEA CAPA World Blog promotes stories and personal experiences from the perspectives of diverse student bloggers and vloggers.

Neurodivergent Support

CEA CAPA is willing and able to assist students with learning disabilities and physical disabilities. Students are requested to disclose disabilities through the application health forms as part of their application and in discussion with their application advisor or program manager. The earlier CEA CAPA is made aware of learning or physical disabilities the better we can work with the student, institution, and overseas team to tailor an Individualized Education Program if necessary to support the student.

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Impact 🌎

Sustainability

CEA CAPA makes a conscious effort to create study abroad experiences that leave a positive impact on host communities. Each location implements a variety of strategies to support the local community and promote sustainability. Examples include:

Use of recycling bins in Study Center locations and in CEA CAPA housing

Signage in CEA CAPA housing urging students to limit water and electricity usage

Students are often given reusable bags and water bottles upon arrival to limit single plastic use

Students are provided with instructions for acquiring transportation passes to promote use of public transportation rather than taxis

Program Highlights

Hands-on learning experiences that transform the world abroad into a classroom
Personalized Pre-Departure Advising, including visa and immigration support
Courses offered in English that fulfill major and general graduation requirements
Comprehensive on-site support, including 24/7 emergency phone
Career workshops, Internships Abroad, and Alumni Ambassador positions

Program Reviews

4.90 Rating

based on 125 reviews

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Rating Spread Study

5 rating 94.4%
4 rating 4%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 1.6%

Academics 4.2
Support 4.8
Fun 4.85
Housing 4.65
Safety 4.7

Good for Students, Foodies, Photographers

Showing 9 - 16 of 125 reviews

This past semester in Florence was the best few months of my life! I got to travel all around Europe and made the most incredible memories with my friends and family. Studying abroad taught me a lot about myself, and I learned how to be more independent when I traveled and experienced everything in Florence. I also had amazing travels within Italy to beautiful places like Venice, Rome, and Cinque Terre. The courses CEA offered also enriched my experience, and I got to take a fashion marketing and merchandising class which was so interesting to learn about in a fashion-centric city.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

I would say to take as many trips as you can! Even if it involves solo-traveling, every trip is worth the risk of the unknown because of the amazing sights and experiences European countries have to offer!

Pros

Traveling
Meeting new friends
Fun classes/opportunities

Cons

Homesickness

My experience in Florence, Italy, with CEA CAPA was fantastic. It was particularly special because of the amazing community that was built into the program. There were so many amazing opportunities to get involved and so many great dinners offered by CEA. Additionally, the day trips offered were so amazing; I went to Siena and loved it. My favorite part of the entire program was being involved on the soccer team where I was able to meet a new group of people and compete against other study abroad programs.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

Almost missing multiple flights - running really fast is how I solved the issue.

Pros

Great Housing
Help getting a visa

Cons

Not enough time!

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy was an incredibly amazing experience. Italy offered me so many insights into who I am and challenged me to explore new things, travel, and expand my world. Florence was the most amazing location to study abroad, with its unique culture, close-knit community, and small-city vibes. Living in Florence for four months taught me to appreciate the little things in life, and I will forever think about my time abroad. I am incredibly grateful for the people I met abroad too, and have come back to school with some of my closest friends who have shared such unique experiences with me. Together, we tried new foods, socialized with endless amounts of people, learned a new language, traveled the world, and created a life together in a foreign country.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

Almost raw Florentine steak!

Pros

Food
Community
Culture

Cons

Airport size
Tourism

Studying abroad in Florence was a life-changing experience for me. I am a junior at Cal Poly SLO studying graphic communication and minoring in studio art and Chinese. Because of my studio art minor, I chose to do a CEA CAPA and SRISA art split program to take classes at both schools in Florence. I took Beginning Italian and Intro to Contemporary Cinema with CEA CAPA and Beginning Painting and Graphic Design Studio with SRISA. Learning about art and the Italian language while abroad heightened my experience in Florence. I had a unique and immersive experience in the city, gaining a new perspective on Italian culture and the city's history and art. Thanks to CEA CAPA, I got a rounded abroad experience with things such as excursions broadening my experience with the country of Italy, and classes I took in Florence, broadening my perspective of Italian lifestyle and history. The faculty on-site for CEA CAPA were helpful and attentive, and my housing situation was in the middle of the city. I made new friends through the program's various activities and met my roommates through CEA CAPA's housing portal. I would recommend this program to anyone who appreciates history, art, and Italian cuisine. The city of Florence is full of these things and more, and CEA CAPA's program enabled me to enjoy these qualities with little stress.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

If I were to go abroad again, I would work on having goals before going abroad. Initially, I was overwhelmed by the experience I wanted to have abroad, but if I had decided I wanted to use that experience to learn more, make new friends, travel more, etc. I would have had a bit more of a focused abroad experience and be able to delve into one area specifically.

Pros

Self Growth
Immersion into city's culture
Increased knowledge of Italian history

Cons

Taking care of mental health
Finding time to work on school work

Studying abroad in Florence in the fall of 2024 was the best experience I could have asked for. I learned so much about myself and skills that I did not know I had. I loved living in the city and having such a sense of home in a foreign country. I traveled easily every weekend and got to see and experience the world in a way I didn't know was going to be possible for me. Finally, the food in Florence was the best I had in the four months abroad. I still miss the weekly and daily traditions I had for myself in the city.

I studied abroad in Florence through CEA CAPA in the Fall of 2024. The classes, opportunities, support, and memories were unforgettable. The staff always greeted us with a smile and answered all the questions I had. There were program trips to other cities in Tuscany as well as smaller field trips around Florence that I would recommend participating in. Two of the classes I took were some of my favorites in all of my undergraduate education so far. Florence in particular was an amazing area to be in, with it being so walkable and pretty affordable. My apartment was close to the train station and the Duomo which I feel was the best spot in the city, and even the walk to Piazzale Michelangelo did not feel long. I feel so lucky to have called this city my home: I miss it every day and I think CEA CAPA was incredibly helpful throughout this unique process.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

At a well-known restaurant less than a block away from me called Osteria Pastella, I tried pigeon! I would call myself a foodie and in general, I love Italian cuisine. So when I saw pigeon risotto on the menu, I knew I wanted to try it. It was really delicious! The Renaissance art, easy-going lifestyle, and food were just some of the things that drew me to Italy.

Pros

support and community
lots to do
beautiful city

Cons

laundry

I just came back from a semester abroad in fall 2024 in Florence. When I say it was one of the best decisions I've made, I mean it. I learned so much about myself, Italy, and what it means to be a global citizen. At the beginning of the program, I told someone I would never be comfortable going on a solo trip... flash forward two months later and I was in Brussels by myself for the weekend (and it was SUCH a rewarding experience)! The community and support I found in Florence through CEA CAPA made my experience unforgettable. I met some of my best friends in my Italian I class that I never would have crossed paths with before, and the front desk staff made me feel so welcomed (and now we're still in contact on Instagram)!

Florence has so much to offer and you will not regret going with CEA CAPA. If I could do it all over again I'd do it the exact same.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Say yes! Be a yes person and be comfortable being uncomfortable. You are not studying abroad to do the same things you do at home, so take advantage of the wonders of the world; there is so much to offer.

Pros

Great food
Friendly staff
Fun trips included with the program

CEA CAPA provided me with an amazing abroad experience. My housing was in a great location with short walks to class, coffee shops, and outstanding restaurants. CEA CAPA also made sure I was taking the right classes for my credits to transfer which was so helpful. All the staff was friendly and helpful with the adjustment to a new culture. My professors were so knowledgeable and made class interesting with lots of hands on experiences. I recommend this program to anyone looking to study abroad in Florence!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

The most unfamiliar thing I ate was Chicken Liver Pate. This is a meat spread made of chicken liver on bread. I was very skeptical about trying this but I ended up enjoying it and ordering it at many restaurants in Florence!

Pros

Field Trips
Helpful Visa Process
Professors

Cons

Limited Course Selection
Limited Class Sections

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

Long before college, I knew I would eventually like to study abroad. Of course, I had no idea which program to choose until I began researching in 2015, but I knew one thing for certain: I was going to Italy.

After meeting (many times) with my home university's study abroad advisor to learn about my options, the CAPA program was far-and-away the best fit for me and my course requirements.

With this program, I was able to study in my dream location of Florence, Italy, and take classes that would all go towards my major, minor, and general education requirements. I wanted to make sure I was receiving the most I possibly could from my study abroad. CAPA gave me that.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

A month before our program's start date, CAPA and my home university provided each student with a pre-departure packing list and other helpful tips. With these materials, students were informed of the possible cultural shock that can be experienced, what to expect on your day of arrival, and preparation for orientation.

My favorite piece of these helpful tips was the packing list. It's definitely important to prepare for the weather changes in your city abroad!

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. The CAPA staff treat each of their students like family. Throughout the program, there will be "family dinners", tours through Florence, and one-of-a-kind experiences to better understand the Florentine and Italian cultures.

All of these trips were free to CAPA students and excellent resources to get to know CAPA staff, other students, and your professors.

Take everything in and really push yourself. Try things that intrigue you and participate in activities that interest you.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Most students had 1-2 classes a day, with a break midday to grab a yummy and cheap lunch. I loved hearing of new restaurant recommendations for the CAPA staff.

Depending upon your breaks and class times (can be anywhere from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 3 hours), you should have plenty of time to enjoy Florence in the afternoon and evening. This is the perfect time to go shopping and exploring!

At night, hang with friends to experience Florence's fun nightlife. Again, CAPA can provide the best recommendations for places to go at night, all of which are safe and centrally located. My roommates and I would go out to eat or to a club 2-3 times a week and did our studying earlier in the day.

Like in the States, most students spend Sunday as their catch-up and relaxation day.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Before abroad, I was really concerned about learning the Italian language. I knew nothing going into my program and was really concerned I wouldn't be able to communicate with locals. To combat this, I took Beginners Italian with CAPA, which was 3 days a week.

This course prepared me with so much more than just the foundations of Italians. CAPA professors are very understanding of what American students go through in foreign countries. My Italian professor did an excellent job at preparing us with common phrases and good vocabulary to know while walking through and living in Florence.

Also, I quickly learned that the more I spoke with locals and attempted my Italian, the stronger my Italian got. Locals love to see Americans make attempts to speak Italian and are willing to help without embarrassing you! Definitely take advantage of this and get to know people!

Of all the aspects of living abroad, what was your very favorite?

The locals. Between the CAPA staff, restaurant workers, and shop keepers, I met some of the very best people in Florence. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming to me. Traveling abroad, especially for the first time, can be rather frightening.

From the moment I touched down in Florence to the end of my program, I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe. Each day, I was spoken to politely and Florentines really seemed to care for their visitors.

If you take anything from what I've said, please understand that talking to the locals of Florence and Italy is so important. I am so grateful for these friendships and people, many of whom I still speak with through Facebook. They made my abroad experience so much brighter than I ever could have anticipated or dreamed of.

Danielle Lukas

2014 Alum

Christine Brackenhoff

2014 Alum

Erin Largey

2014 Alum

Brooke Scanlon

2014 Alum

Patrick Scally

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Letizia Ialini

Program

CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Florence, Italy

Job Title

Student Services Advisor, CEA Florence

Letizia studied Economics at the University of Florence. During her university career, she temporarily moved to Bournemouth, England where she worked as a trainee in the financial department of an industrial company. This first experience abroad sparked her interest in traveling and learning, leading her to continue her studies for an academic year in Australia. Letizia greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn a new language, to travel, and to make friends around the world.

female headshot

Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?

Letizia: I studied abroad in Australia and it was the best time of my life. In 2004 I was studying economics at the University of Florence and I knew that an experience abroad would have contributed to make my resume more interesting to the eye of a future employer.

I wanted to have “a plus”, something different from my pears that would graduate the same year as me. I thought that a study abroad experience could make me more flexible, capable to adapt quickly to a new environment and more open minded. All qualities that a future employer would look for when selecting a candidate.

I actually learned so much during my time abroad, much more than I could have ever imagined. Studying abroad has helped me not only on a professional point of view, but also on a personal point of view. I have invaluable memories of my time in Melbourne. I met people from all over the world and after 10 years I am still good friend with most of them.

What was your favorite traveling experience?

Letizia: I don’t like big cities, I never have. I have many traveling experience that are sweet memories in my heart: Tasmania in 2005, Portugal in 2008, and east Australia in 2009, but the one I cherish the most is New Zealand in 2009. My husband and I decided to rent a car and drove from Auckland to the Waipoua Forest which is one part of the largest remaining tract of native forest in the North Island.

Waipoua Forest

The drive to the forest is spectacular: the road winds through huge and spectacular kauri trees, the colors of the sky are indescribable. With a Maori guide we adventured into the forest at dusk and followed a trail that lead us to meet one of the most significant tree, the natives call it Te Matua Ngahere – 'Father of the Forest' – which is huge and estimated to be between 2,500 and 3,000 years old.

The forest at night was magical, many animals, that we would never have seen during the day, were coming out their shelters and we had the feeling of being lucky viewers of an intact world that was exiting a long time ago.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Letizia: Not every student has an easy start. Sometimes studying abroad can be challenging, especially during the first few weeks away from home. Some students start missing home and for different reasons they think that they cannot successfully complete their time abroad.

We always do our best to encourage and support these students and most of the time they decide to remain with us and positively complete their semester abroad. Seeing this students overcome their difficulties in one of the best part of my job. Through this experience they learn they can actually overcome every adverse situation.

They decide to challenge themselves and grow up in a way they usually do not even expect. Hearing from them once they go back home and understand how happy they are they have decided to stay is one of the biggest gratifications we could actually have knowing we, in some way, influenced that decision.

What unique qualities does your company possess?

new zealand view

Letizia: I feel very lucky to be part of the CEA team. CEA is a very dynamic organization and as a company it is always trying to improve. The good thing is that every semester is basically structured as the previous one but really nothing is actually the same. We always work with different students and we continuously try to provide them with the best experience they could possibly find in Florence.

CEA is constantly trying to make progress and get closer to what students really need. New ideas in order to reach a better result are always welcome and I find this attitude rewarding of my efforts. Our team in Florence is made of young people and we all get along very well. This is something that I am sure influence the students experience in many ways as the atmosphere is a very positive one.

Bruno Grazioli

Academic Director, CEA Florence

Emily Schiavone

Center Director, CEA Florence

Alexandra Mitchell

Director of International Programs

Vittoria Chesi

Senior Academic Coordinator, Florence

Location

Location:

Florence

Currency:

Euro

Weather:

Jan-Mar

61 F / 36 F

Apr-Jun

82 F / 45 F

Jul-Sep

90 F / 57 F

Oct-Dec

70 F / 37 F

Airports:

Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola

( FLR )

Gelato festival is April should be enough to get your attention, but this won't be the only thing that keeps you coming back for more. Florence sits in the Tuscany region and is regarded for its artistic history and worldly views.

About CEA CAPA Education Abroad

With 22 destinations across 13 countries, CEA CAPA Education Abroad offers an ideal balance of academics, internships, and adventure to more than 4,000 students each year. Click on “Visit Site” to explore our study and internship opportunities and find out just out how far international education can take you. Why study abroad or complete an...