CEA CAPA Education Abroad

CEA CAPA Education Abroad Reviews

Kendra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CEA Florence

I would reccomend this program to anybody who is in college and interested ins tudying abroad. Although the program was Business oriented, I was able to have all of my classes cover GE credits that I needed at my home institution. CEA was super helpful throughout this expereince, from airport pickup, housing matinence, and setting up extra activities. I had the best time abroad and CEA made it even better. Because of the location of Florence, I was able to travel to Germany, Spain, and Portugal. I also visited a ton of cities around Italy. There is a week off in between midterms and the next half of the semester, which was awesome to be able to travel around.

What was your funniest moment?
I got stuck on a train in between two of the carts! I was wearing a huge travel backpack to save money on my flights, and it got stuck in the sliding glass doors.
Pros
  • Food
  • Location (easy to travel other places)
  • Housing
What other participants should know
  • Weather (got cold towards the end)
  • Cost (things can get expensive, but anywhere you go will cost money)
  • Excursions
Maya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience in Prague 2023

CEA's study abroad program in Prague was unique to me for 3 main reasons. Firstly, the program offered a variety of courses which worked for many different majors/ interesting, but they were all extremely culturally relevant to Prague. In my architecture class, for example, we went on fields trips every day, learning about styles and periods through the buildings around us, and the history of the city. I took a class on Franz Kafka, a Czech surrealist author, and the class was able to walk around and identify places Kafka lived, worked at, and wrote at. To be learning about a city that you are in, that you can see and imagine, was extremely valuable to me. Secondly, the program location allowed me to study abroad on a budget. Because Prague is a relatively cheaper city than other programs in Europe, studying there allowed me to engage in the community and with friends. I was able to socialize, go to restaurants, museums, and travel, without going over my budget. Thirdly, Prague offers a nonwestern culture that I had never experienced before. Going abroad, I wanted to immerse myself into a culture and language that was unfamiliar to me. Prague was the perfect location for this; I learned a lot about central/eastern European lifestyles!

What was your funniest moment?
I needed to buy a duvet, and I went into a bedding store to buy one. The worker was an elderly Czech woman, and she spoke not a word of English. We both tried very hard to communicate and understand what I was looking for. I thought I got the duvet and when I got home, I opened it and it was just a huge pillow. It wasn't so funny at the time, but I laugh looking back on it.
Pros
  • affordable
  • walkable city
  • housing is ideally located and spacious
What other participants should know
  • obtaining VISA was a little difficult
Maggie
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Granada is my new home away from home!

I was incredibly excited to study abroad, but I never could have imagined how amazing my time in Granada would be. My host family was so sweet and I met so many amazing people through my classes and the social scene. I continue to keep in contact with these people even now that I am back in the United States. I took twelve credit hours in the Centro de Lenguas Modernas, part of the Universidad de Granada. The professors were so kind and knowledgeable and I still had time to go out and have fun! I am going back as soon as possible.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make sure you figure out your support system before you leave. It was really helpful and important to me to know when I could call people back home and when I could expect messages from them! No matter how prepared you are it is always nice to hear a familiar voice.
Pros
  • Travel opportunities
  • Local culture emersion
  • Spanish emersion
Lucy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best program - best staff - best semester of my life!!

I cannot recommend CEA CAPA in Barcelona more! Seriously this was the best semester of my life. I absolutely loved my classes - my professors were intelligent, kind, helpful, and engaging, and it was so incredible being able to meet students from all over the U.S. who I still keep in contact with a year later! I learned more in some of my classes abroad than I do at my home university due to the super small class sizes and very hands-on projects. I did the Global Business Consulting program, and I worked on a semester-long project helping a small Barcelona-based SaaS company think about global expansion. It seriously was the most enriching experience I have ever had in a class (and my team won the competition!). CEA CAPA in Barcelona is wonderful and if you are considering it at all - GO!!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would go to ALL of the CEA-sponsored events!
Pros
  • Great classes
  • Super cool students do it
  • No Friday classes!!
What other participants should know
  • Housing is not incredible, but its doable
  • The CEA staff that I dealt with before going abroad were not the nicest, but I think this was a unique experience
  • N/a
Alyssa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad Experience in San Jose, Costa Rica

I studied away in Costa Rica during Fall 2023. The CEA CAPA team members made me feel supported the entire time I was abroad. Whether I needed help with choosing a weekend getaway or going to the hospital, the program directors were extremely helpful and friendly. I chose Costa Rica because of their health sciences program. Renowned for its universal healthcare system, Costa Rica was the best choice to learn about affordable care. Furthermore, I took classes such as Medical Spanish and Costa Rican healthcare, which will definitely help me as a future healthcare provider.

Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cea Seville Spanish Language

I could not have had a better study abroad experience. CEA Capa's building was in a central location, where everyone could walk to, and had great classrooms and study spaces. The living options were great - I chose to do the residence dorm which was so nice. I had my own bedroom, shared a bathroom with one other person and lived in the dorm building with other Spanish and American students. The partner institution that I had classes at, University of Seville, was walking distance (about 15 min walk) from el porvenir, or the neighborhood I was in. The school was originally a tobacco factory and was such a beautiful building. I am so glad CEA partners with this University and I really enjoyed my classes here, especially the wine and Spain class. Without CEA, I would not have been able to take this fun class, (and many more) learn about the great culture of Seville, and have a comfortable place to live.

What would you improve about this program?
I wish that the partner institution and class schedule part was a bit more clear. I knew some students who were wanting to take classes with the University of Seville but ended up with only CEA classes. I also knew students who went to UPO, and a downside of it is that there is a commute (about 20-30 minutes) as it is outside of Seville.
Pros
  • Friendly locals, great culture
  • extremely safe, chill vibes in city
  • CEA Capa center is great, safe location
What other participants should know
  • one of the partner institutions has a commute
  • confusion about living situations (specifically casa de Sevilla)
  • lack of guidance with visa
Valeria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Grenoble Study Abroad

Grenoble is a huge university city with 1/4 students being international or on exchange, so the opportunity to meet new people and try new things is huge. Grenoble is especially known for being a sporty city, so if you are into any outdoor activities it is also the place for you. I was able to learn French and communicate from being there and fully immersing myself. The CEA CAPA excursions, staff, and activities were so fun and very well planned out. I participated in every single activity available, and it was just truly the best 4 months of my life.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make your motto "YES" to every opportunity that arises. It takes a lot of courage, but you miss out on a lot when you wait around for someone to do something with you, and the last thing you want to bring back after your semester abroad is regret from not doing something.
Pros
  • CEA Staff is amazing and so supportive.
  • I learned French.
  • Beautiful city surrounded by mountains and a river in the middle.
What other participants should know
  • Lyon airport is relatively small for travel purposes.
Madeline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Experience Studying Abroad in Grenoble, France

Being a STEM major, I wasn't even sure if studying abroad would be an idea I could even entertain. However, through the opportunities provided to me by CEA CAPA, my home university, and Universite Grenoble Alpes, I was able to not only study abroad in Grenoble, France but have some of the best four months of my life. What I truly fell in love with was the beautiful landscape of Grenoble, but also its history. I was blessed with amazing CEA CAPA staff who guided me and my peers through our journey abroad. We even went on an excursion to southern France, including places such as Nice, Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Cannes. When I began college, studying abroad was not really on my bucket list. However, now after having experienced what I did, I think it is essential to all individuals for personal and professional benefits!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice is to push yourself out of your comfort zone. You are only given one opportunity to be in the place that you are, so meeting as many people as you can and trying new activities is in my opinion what makes the experience so worthwhile.
Pros
  • Grenoble has great views!
  • Grenoble and nearby towns have so much unique history
  • The social settings are fun
What other participants should know
  • Traveling to other cities/countries is slightly hard because the closest "best" airport is an hour bus ride
  • Some parts of Grenoble are unsafe, especially at night for women
lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Madrid program with CEA

Studying abroad in Madrid was an unforgettable experience that surpassed all my expectations. From the vibrant culture to the rich history, Madrid captivated me in ways I never imagined. One of the aspects that made my trip truly exceptional was the city's lively atmosphere. The streets were always bustling with energy, filled with people enjoying tapas in charming cafes, lively street performances, and the constant hum of conversation.

The Spanish lifestyle, characterized by the famous siesta and late-night dinners, provided a refreshing change of pace. It allowed me to fully immerse myself in the local way of life and establish connections with both locals and fellow international students. The warmth and friendliness of Madrileños were evident everywhere I went, making me feel welcome and accepted in this new environment.

The city's architectural beauty was another highlight. Exploring landmarks like the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Puerta del Sol provided a sense of the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Every corner seemed to hold a piece of the past, offering a glimpse into Madrid's evolution over the centuries.

The diverse array of cultural events and festivities added a dynamic touch to my experience. From flamenco shows to traditional festivals, I had the opportunity to witness and participate in celebrations that showcased the passion and zest for life that defines Spanish culture.

Ultimately, Madrid became more than just a destination for academic pursuits; it became a second home. The friendships formed, the memories created, and the personal growth achieved during my time in Madrid made it a truly transformative chapter in my life. I left with a deep appreciation for the Spanish way of life and a newfound love for the enchanting city that had become an integral part of my study abroad journey.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Facing the unexpected challenge of missing flights during my overseas stint taught me vital lessons. I recommend students wake up early before flights to avoid unnecessary stress and overspending. Prioritizing punctuality can significantly enhance the overall study abroad experience, ensuring smoother travels and financial peace of mind.
Pros
  • Communication with the program
  • Opportunities for engagement with other CEA students
What other participants should know
  • City was noisy at night
Sarah
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome!

Studying abroad with CEA in Madrid was amazing! I had such an enriching experience and feel that I grew a lot as a person. The CEA staff onsite was incredible. They made an effort to get to know everyone and make sure everyone felt supported during their time there. CEA also made the pre-departure process as easy as it possibly could have been. Housing there was also amazing and I felt very safe and comfortable in Madrid. The area we were located in was very residential, so it felt like I really lived there and was a part of the community. We also had access to classes in English with amazing professors!