Alumni | Advisors & Faculty | Contact

CET Academic Programs

Study abroad programs for college and gap students

Florence: College

Piacere (Nice to Meet You), Firenze!

Photos taken by Avanee Dalmia (Brown University), Student Correspondent for CET Florence, Summer 2025 Villa Demidoff and Lunch in the Hills After settling in and orientation, CET organized a day trip to Pratolino, where our group went on a tour of the Villa Demidoff Garden. The villa and gardens were built by Francesco de’ Medici in the late […]

What I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad in Florence

Written by Patty Bessie (Columbia University), Student Correspondent for CET Florence, Spring 2025 Studying abroad in Florence is, in many ways, a dream come true. Art, history, gelato on every corner—what could possibly go wrong? Well, a few things, actually. While Florence is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, there are definitely some quirks and […]

Growth through Assimilation: How Florence became my Classroom 

Written by Heidi McGannon (Davidson College), Campus Ambassador for CET Florence The Art of La Bella Figura This past fall, in a grand yellow building overlooking the Arno River, I sat in a classroom with high, ornately frescoed ceilings and intricate tile floors, listening intently as my history professor described la bella figura. Though that crisp […]

My Homestay Experience while Studying Abroad in Florence, Italy

Written by Patty Bessie (Columbia University), Student Correspondent for CET Florence, Spring 2025 So, you’re debating whether to do a homestay? When I made the decision to study abroad in Florence, Italy, one of my top priorities was to fully immerse myself in the local culture and better understand the daily life of Italians. With that goal in […]

Adjusting to Life Abroad: Tips for Studying Abroad

Written by Patty Bessie (Columbia University), Student Correspondent for CET Florence, Spring 2025 Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to explore new cultures, gain independence, and make lifelong memories. However, adjusting to life in a foreign country comes with challenges, from packing the right essentials to navigating unfamiliar customs and languages. Proper preparation can help ease the transition […]

How to Study Abroad on a Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Generation and Low-Income Students

Written by Patty Bessie (Columbia University), Student Correspondent for CET Florence, Spring 2025 As a first-generation, low-income college student, studying abroad felt like an impossible dream—something only wealthy students could afford. Yet, here I am, spending a semester in the beautiful city of Florence, Italy. If you’re in a similar position, let me reassure you: studying abroad is […]

CET Jordan: Academic Consultation Board

Over the years, we’ve built a strong network of locally-based faculty that we’re proud to call our peers. These faculty make up our Academic Consultation Board—a select group of local voices and thought leaders that help advise and shape components of the CET Jordan program. 

Board members support the program in many ways, including but not limited to:

  • Leveraging topical expertise to help develop courses, including field-based components.
  • Teaching courses or guest lectures for CET Jordan and custom programs
  • Recommending and providing academic resources for research

Academic Consultation Board Members

  • Dr. Bader Al Madi | American University of Madaba, PhD, Sociology, Political Science
  • Dr. Amani El Serhan | University of Jordan, PhD, Women's Studies
  • Dr. Amani Qashmar | University of Jordan, PhD, Education
  • Dr. Areej Alawzi | University of Jordan, PhD, English Literature/Translation
  • Dr. Ahmad Al Khrisha | World Islamic Sciences & Education University, PhD, Arabic Language & Literature

Learn more about studying abroad with CET

Learn more about studying abroad with CET