Last Summer, I went abroad to Rome, Italy, for the Lex Fellowship abroad program by CEA CAPA! This experience was so incredible, and I had an amazing opportunity to meet new people and experience the legal setting in Rome. Through my program in Rome, we shadowed at different law firms every day. We also had time to explore the city culturally and had amazing group meals included within the fare of the program. This was my first time going abroad, and thanks to CEA CAPA, I had an awesome experience.

As a part of the Lex Fellowship, I was able to spend two weeks in Rome, Italy, working and collaborating with different law firms in different legal fields each day alongside other ‘fellows.’ It was an incredible experience seeing Rome (and traveling to other cities with the other fellows on our free time) all while making meaningful connections with global lawyers. I can’t recommend this program enough. I had a great time with some great people and our city managers were amazing guides! If you’re at all interested in becoming a lawyer, then this program is an excellent way to build your resume, meet experienced professionals, or even just confirm your interest.

Studying abroad in Rome, Italy with CEA CAPA was truly the highlight of my college experience, and I recommend it to anyone even considering studying abroad. Rome is one of those cities that at first feels overwhelming—the history, the size, the pace—but it doesn’t take long before it starts to feel like home. I quickly fell into little routines, like grabbing my morning coffee from the same café where the barista began to remember me, or studying in the same sunny piazzas in the afternoons. Walking through the cobblestone streets on my way to class never lost its magic, and I grew to love the feeling of living among so much history while still being a college student exploring a new chapter of life.

The academics through CEA CAPA made the experience even more meaningful. My favorite course was International Marketing, where I was able to take what we learned in class and immediately see it play out around me in the city. Rome became a living classroom—I noticed the way global brands adapted to the Italian market, and I found myself constantly connecting lectures to real-life examples. The professors were approachable and supportive, and they encouraged us to get out and experience Rome firsthand. I felt challenged, but I also felt inspired because I was learning in such a unique environment.

What stands out most from my time abroad is the sense of community I found. I built close friendships with other students in the program who I know will be lifelong friends. At the same time, I felt welcomed by locals in small but meaningful ways—whether it was practicing Italian at the market, chatting with shop owners, or receiving tips from Romans about the best spots to eat. CEA CAPA also provided cultural excursions that gave me the chance to explore even deeper, like meeting artisans or discovering parts of the city and traditions I never would have found on my own. These experiences helped me feel less like a tourist and more like someone who belonged there.

I think what I always try to explain to people is that the most memorable parts of studying abroad weren’t just the famous landmarks—although seeing the Colosseum, the Vatican, and all of Rome’s iconic sites was incredible. What made the experience so special were the everyday moments: ordering a cappuccino in Italian, watching the sunset from the Tiber, or taking an evening walk with friends after dinner. Those little routines are what made Rome feel like a second home and what I miss the most now that I’m back.

For anyone who is unsure about whether to go abroad, I can confidently say it will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Rome is the perfect city to immerse yourself in history, culture, food, and language, all while growing personally and academically. CEA CAPA gives you the structure to feel supported but the freedom to make the experience your own. Studying abroad in Rome changed my life, and I would encourage anyone who has the chance to take it.

I had the time of my life in Rome, Italy with CEA Study Abroad. I had the opportunity to work in an internship for my future career as well as take classes that were my personal academic interest. While I was working and studying, the CEA staff did everything possible to support and help me with anything I needed. The planned trips, social outings, and home base at the CEA center allowed us to succeed and grow while also having a safe space. I loved my study abroad experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to go.