CET Italy

My study abroad experience on CET in Florence was something I will never forget. I went into this experience leaving a lot of my close friends behind, whether they were studying in other European countries, cities, or back at Cornell. I worried about being able to make friends and have people to travel with, but I quickly made so many new friends and was traveling the world with them. Choosing Florence as a home city was an amazing decision. Over the course of my time abroad, I really immersed myself in the culture and can call this place my home. I knew how to get around without Google Maps by the end and have tried many incredible restaurants. The food is seriously to die for in Florence. I also loved how walkable the city was making it so easy to get around. I would highly suggest anyone considering studying abroad in the future to go to Florence. I am going to miss it so much!

Being in Florence was great and the apartments were in wonderful locations in the city. Sometimes a bit noisy because of how close they were to the city center, but certainly well worth it. The teachers were all great, though some were difficult to understand.

I will also say that the attendance policy was very harsh. There were only three absences allowed per class, otherwise, your grade would drop a whole letter grade (at 5 absences) and and failure after 8 absences. There were no exceptions for illness, death in the family, personal circumstances, etc. even if you could document these incidences.

Studying in Florence was an excellent experience that allowed me to expand my perspectives and learn more about the city and its people. Florence is a beautiful city that offers plenty of things to do and to see. The CET program did a great job organizing events that allowed students to meet, interact, and explore the city. They organized programs and activities that allowed us to see different landmarks, and the classes often included trips around the city that allowed students to understand more about and experience the culture of Florence. While the quantity of students studying abroad in Florence makes it easy to make friends, it can also be a downside when it comes to cultural emersion which is something to consider depending on what you are looking to get out of a study abroad experience.

CET Florence was an unforgettable experience! Before coming to the program, I was nervous about going abroad and meeting new people. Yet, when I arrived in Florence, all that anxiety melted when I met my roommates and had a weekend filled with group activities to meet people! CET did a great job getting people to meet and become friends quickly! Additionally, CET was extremely accommodating with housing! Whenever I had an issue with my housing, they were immediately attentive to the problem. I also was able to travel every weekend and CET helped me figure out which hostels were safe and gave recommendations for what to do and see. Their suggestions were super helpful since I never been to Italy!

I studied with the CET in Florence, Italy this summer (2023) and had an amazing experience. The CET staff were super helpful and kind, and did a great job making everyone feel safe and included. They also hosted several events throughout the program so we were able to experience as much of Florence as possible. Florence is a beautiful destination to study in full of art, history, and plenty of gorgeous views. Taking weekend trips was also super easy and the CET staff were more than happy to assist with travel plans and give recommendations.

My experience in Italy and Siena specifically was a remarkable one. I had the opportunity to explore different regions in Italy and learn more about the culture and art history of each location. The art was rich and beautiful, and as an art major, it is the most crucial aspect that helped to better my experience in Italy. In addition, the art history class I took while staying in Siena also enhanced my knowledge of Siena and its past particularly, as well as the region of Tuscany (Pienza, San Gimignano, and Monte Oliveto Maggiore).

I would highly recommend CET Florence. The program staff are very kind and take time to organize fun excursions for the students such as pizza making and gelato tours. The classes offered are interesting and engaging, and the city itself is beautiful. Although Florence isn’t a huge city, there is still so much to do. Keep in mind that since you won’t be attending an Italian University directly, it will take extra effort to interact with local Italians your age. There are also many American study abroad students in Florence which is something to take into consideration depending on your preference. Overall, I highly recommend the program and had an amazing semester with CET Florence.

The CET Program offered me a wonderful experience that was both academically and culturally stimulating. I was able to successfully continue my undergraduate academics while simultaneously absorbing Italian culture. The program offers various trips & excursions to help students meet their peers and immerse themselves in the Florentine environment. Not to mention, the staff is extremely supportive and helpful. I personally suffered an injury at the beginning of the program and was thoroughly supported by the CET staff throughout the entire semester. I am extremely appreciative of their willingness to care for their students.