CIEE College Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

I enjoyed this experience a lot. Theres the perfect amount of freedom and guidance. If you ever need help with anything there's always someone there for you. But you get to live on your own and do whatever you would like. Of course they ask you to keep in contact with them so they know where you are located but its for safety reasons and its not over bearing. They also have a emergency line or just contacts if you need to call someone. The excursions are really nice too. You get a feel for things you probably wouldn't have thought to do.

I am so grateful to have participated in CIEE's Florence program this semester (spring 2024). Before coming abroad, I was very nervous about how I would adapt to life in Italy, but the staff and teachers from CIEE made the transition super manageable and a lot less scary. During orientation they showed us around and prepared us for what we would experience. Additionally, throughout the semester they were always available for advice or assistance. I think CIEE especially did a great job with extracurriculars and creating a community within the program. For example, my program offered us free group activities such as pasta making class, trips to Siena, Bologna and Luca, rafting on the Arno and so much more. These events not only allowed me to see Florence in different ways and through new experiences, but it also brought me closer together to people in my program.