CAPA WORLD

Words by Emily Kearns, a CAPA Florence study abroad alumna. Emily will be writing a column called "Remembering Florence" on CAPA World the first Friday of every month.

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Instagram is a social media platform that is always changing and every day I come across new accounts to follow. For my first post on this column, I shared six of my favorite Florence Instagram accounts. Since that was about two years ago, I’ve decided to round up a more current list of Florence Instagram accounts that bring back all the feels and make me want to purchase a flight to Italy ASAP…

1. @toomuchtuscany. Let’s be real. Is there such thing as too much Tuscany? I don't think so. This account features gorgeous pictures of the Tuscan landscapes, along with some classic city shots around Florence.

Maureen is an official CAPA vlogger for fall 2017, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A BFA major at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, she is studying abroad in London this semester.

In this week's post, Maureen talks about adjusting to life back home and checks in with her company of actors and friends all over the country.

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Thanks Maureen!

See more of Maureen's journey in London.

Words by Emily Kearns, a CAPA Florence study abroad alumna. Emily will be writing a column called "Remembering Florence" on CAPA World the first Friday of every month.

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For this month’s post, I interviewed Audrey Detmer, one of my roommates from Florence, to ask her some questions about her study abroad experience and her recent trip back to Florence!

EMILY KEARNS: Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’ve been up to post-study abroad and post-grad!
AUDREY DETMER: After leaving Florence I returned to the University of Colorado, Boulder, where I completed my studies in political science and philosophy. I was incredibly fortunate to travel to Argentina for a month after graduation with my childhood friends, and then I moved home to California to face the struggle of finding a job post-grad. A bit of good luck and hard work led me to join the team of a political campaign as an intern, and when the candidate won, I was hired as a staffer. I've been employed with the California State Assembly for a bit over a year now working for a member of the legislature.

Thaddeus is an official CAPA blogger for fall 2017, sharing his story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A BFA major at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, he is studying abroad in London this semester.

In his last post, Thaddeus flies back home and reflects on his study abroad experience in London.

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On the 16th of December, I woke up in London knowing that my minutes left on the English isle were very few. I wasn't sad to leave the country, instead, I was sad to leave the memories behind that I have made during my time abroad.

A view of the Downtown Chicago skyline as I return to the U.S. after 5 months abroad.

I said goodbye to my friends from other universities that I had met during my time at CAPA, and slowly tread down the escalator for the rather long Picadilly Line tube ride to London Heathrow.

Elizabeth is an official CAPA blogger for fall 2017, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A Communication major at Lasell College, she is studying abroad in Dublin this semester.

In this week's post, Elizabeth reflects on her time studying and interning abroad in Dublin and how it feels to be back in the U.S.

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As I sit on my couch in front of my Christmas tree, it is difficult to believe I am actually back home in the U.S. Since my plane touched down Saturday night, this is the first moment I have been able to pause and take a moment to reflect on my incredible three months in Dublin.

The most memorable part of my semester would have to be the people.

The last few weeks in Ireland were a blur of finals, assignments, bucket list items, and saying goodbyes. Whether it was visiting favorite restaurants for the final time or stopping in the shops I have walked past every day of the semester, it was a week of soaking in the last drops of Dublin.

Celess is an official CAPA vlogger for fall 2017, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A Business Administration major at Riverside City College, she is studying abroad in Florence this semester.

In this week's post, Celess explains what reverse culture shock is and how to spot it, as well as ways to deal with it after studying abroad.

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Thanks Celess!

Celess' journey continues every Monday so stay tuned.

Words by Emily Kearns, a CAPA Florence study abroad alumna. Emily will be writing a column called "Remembering Florence" on CAPA World the first Friday of every month.

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Even though I’m constantly surrounded by study abroad for my job and by nature I think about it quite often, December is typically a time of the year where I’m very strongly reminded of my study abroad experience. Even though I left for Florence in January, the months leading up to my departure were quite memorable as well. December 2014 was filled with a ton of researching information about Florence, packing, and preparing mentally for what my life was going to be like for the following few months. Amongst all the craziness with preparing for my time abroad were the holidays, which tend to cause some stress (in a good way). With the holidays coming up, I wanted to share some gift ideas that any past, present or future Florence study abroad student would love to receive!        

Photo: Evelyn Henson and Etsy

1. Map of Florence

Maps are great, easy pieces to hang on any wall, and there are so many different variations that you’ll be able to find a color scheme/style that works for anybody.

Words by Emily Kearns, a CAPA Florence study abroad alumna. Emily will be writing a column called "Remembering Florence" on CAPA World the first Friday of every month.

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For this month’s post, I interviewed Rachel Epner, one of my roommates from Florence, to see what she’s been up to post-study abroad and to ask her some questions about Florence and her study abroad experience!

EMILY KEARNS: Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’ve been up to post-study abroad and post-grad!
RACHEL EPNER: While in Florence, I was looking for an internship for the summer coming back home. I found and was accepted to an internship at the Manhattan DA’s press office - where I ended up interning for a year - and was ultimately offered a job at after graduation! I’ve been working for the DA’s Senior Advisor for Public Affairs and External Relations.

Picture this: you’ve just come back from you’re trip abroad and you have so many great stories to tell. You visited some incredible sites, ate delicious food, and made friends from all around the world. But no matter how hard you try, with time, holding on to these memories will become more and more difficult. Because we'd never want you to forget a second of your time abroad, here's a list of things you can do to preserve and cherish your memories!

1. Buy similar mementos from each city you visit

When you’re traveling, one of the best places to buy small trinkets is from vendors on the street. These gifts will be cheaper and perhaps more relevant to the city than items you’d find in larger shops. In each place you visit, it might be a good idea to buy a fridge magnet, a snow-globe, or something similar in order to remember each place you've been. After a few cities, your collection will start to grow and you’ll have memories from all over the world.

Corissa is an official CAPA blogger for summer 2017, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A Psychology major at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, she is studying abroad in London this semester.

In this week's post, Corissa tells us what it feels like to come home after a 6 week study abroad session.

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Thanks Corissa!

Corissa's journey continues every Friday so stay tuned.