CEA CAPA Directory

Since I interned abroad, one of the most valuable parts of my experience was my internship at Aparto Student Housing in Florence. I was able to get hands-on experience in operations while working in a completely different culture and environment. I worked on projects involving occupancy planning, revenue analysis, Excel reporting, and improvements to the company’s website and booking process. The internship helped me apply what I’ve learned in my Operations Management classes to real-world situations while also improving my communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. It was especially valuable because I gained professional experience while learning how business is done in another country.

While abroad, I engaged with the local community by working at Aparto in Florence and interacting with local coworkers, residents, and students from different backgrounds every day. Living in Florence also gave me the opportunity to experience the community outside of work by going to local restaurants, shops, markets, and events instead of only doing tourist activities. I tried to learn about Italian culture, communicate with locals, and adjust to a different way of life. Being there for an extended period made me feel more connected to Florence and helped me experience the city more like a local rather than just a tourist.