CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Program Reviews

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Maria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing Experience!

Where to even begin?! Costa Rica was life altering in so many ways. CEA CAPA made me realize that my dreams can become reality. I was guided through all the hurdles that I believed stood in my way and was able to follow through with a semester abroad, and thank goodness I did, because not only did I fall in love with the culture, community and education... but I was able to make connections both socially and professionally that will last a life time. The hardest part of studying abroad is coming home... I am greatly looking forward to returning to Costa Rica and continuing my travels with my new found confidence thanks to an experience abroad.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Weekend traveling was the most nerve-racking moments. Because I was solo traveling and going on 8 hour bus rides to locations I have never been!?
Pros
  • Culture - homestay
  • Spanish Language Skills
  • Jungle and wildlife
Cons
  • Coming home
  • San Jose - not a fan of the city
  • not many cons haha
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Alex
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Europe's Hidden Gem!

I absolutely loved my time in Prague. It was the cleanest, safest, most accessible and beautiful city I've ever been to-- and it was extremely affordable! It truly is the center of Europe, it is so multicultural and easy to travel to other places. There is always something to do (and eat), no matter what kind of activities you like! My internship and classes focused on politics and communication, and I feel like focusing on those things allowed me to learn more about the city and country, and connect with where I was on a deeper later.

Pros
  • Extremely accessible, both financially and geographically!
  • So many sites and excursions, truly something for everyone
Cons
  • Class/workload time and internship hours could be overwhelming
  • Autumn and winter weather was very harsh (not much daylight, pretty cold, etc.)
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Olivia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Abroad in Alicante

Studying abroad in Alicante was one of the best decisions I have made. The experience was incredible and I wish I could have stayed longer. The excursions and field trips that CEA planned for us were so helpful and fun. We got to know cities around Alicante and became immersed in the Spanish culture. I loved the food, the beaches, the locals, the new stores, and learning many new things. The festivals in the spring and summer are fascinating to go and watch. I would recommend Alicante to anyone interested, as there are lots of things to see, transportation is easy to navigate, and the culture is incredible.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing I saw was how sunny the city was all the time. It was so refreshing to walk outside in the sunshine almost every day I was there. I was excited to find out it is the sunniest city in Spain!
Pros
  • Great tapas
  • Amazing beaches
  • Friendly locals
Cons
  • Hard to practice Spanish, when you look like an American to locals
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Alyssa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic Experience!

My experience with CEA CAPA was amazing!! The courses were specific to the British experience and I was able to broaden my global perspective. The field studies, day trips, and activities were great additions and allowed me to acclimate to the city. Faculty and staff at CEA CAPA were extremely helpful and understanding when asked questions about courses, the city, and more. The professors facilitated great class discussions and the small class sizes allowed for everyone's opinions to be shared.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I was able to go to the Tim Burton Exhibition at the Design Museum with my film class!
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Maya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

This experience changed my life.

Studying abroad in Madrid forever changed my life and will be something I NEVER stop talking about. I experienced so much growth personally and professionally as I navigated a completely new city, country, and continent. CEA CAPA had such fun classes - Fundamental Aspects of Spanish Art left me with knowledge of hundreds of classic paintings and art techniques. My graffiti class allowed me to be artistic and explore the city! I also learned Spanish from scratch after having only studied Japanese in high school. I felt so well supported in my academics, housing, health, and social life with CEA!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I could do it all over again, I'd start making friends with locals and immersing myself in local culture from day one. I think I was hesitant to make friends with other students who lived in Spain because of the language and cultural barrier. However, once I did so in the later half of my program, I realized that both international and local students had so much to learn from each other and there was nothing to be nervous about!
Pros
  • Diversity in class options
  • Ease of academic/transportation coordination (transferring credits to college, setting up metro cards for me!)
  • Excursions + cultural activities (Tapas tasting, trip to Sevilla, flamenco dancing + show)
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Alina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Studying Abroad for the first time in Grenoble

Before I came to Grenoble, I had no knowledge in any French culture or language. It was after I moved in that I started learning about France. However, even without any prior experience in French culture or language, I was able to have a best 4 months of my life, studying abroad. I was able to make local friends, try local markets and try local food that I would never try if I were traveling or on my own. These experiences gathers made me able to grow as a person and without the support I got from CEA CAPA, I wouldn't have made such great memories. I definitely recommend studying abroad -- it changes how you view the world and how you view yourself as well.

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Jadyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CEA CAPA Florence Abroad

I just came back from a semester abroad in fall 2024 in Florence. When I say it was one of the best decisions I've made, I mean it. I learned so much about myself, Italy, and what it means to be a global citizen. At the beginning of the program, I told someone I would never be comfortable going on a solo trip... flash forward two months later and I was in Brussels by myself for the weekend (and it was SUCH a rewarding experience)! The community and support I found in Florence through CEA CAPA made my experience unforgettable. I met some of my best friends in my Italian I class that I never would have crossed paths with before, and the front desk staff made me feel so welcomed (and now we're still in contact on Instagram)!

Florence has so much to offer and you will not regret going with CEA CAPA. If I could do it all over again I'd do it the exact same.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Say yes! Be a yes person and be comfortable being uncomfortable. You are not studying abroad to do the same things you do at home, so take advantage of the wonders of the world; there is so much to offer.
Pros
  • Great food
  • Friendly staff
  • Fun trips included with the program
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Mina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Winter in Barcelona

Going abroad to Barcelona was one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life. I went abroad in the spring semester and got to experience winter in Europe. The cold is not as bad as I thought, but I would recommend investing in a long coat. I got to travel all across Europe every weekend, and even had family and friends come visit me in Barcelona. The academics were challenging enough to keep me engaged, but not unachievable. I took one of my favorite classes of college through CEA CAPA, sexual identities in modern Spain. The excursions offered are amazing, and a great way to make friends outside of the classroom.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The tapas scene in Barcelona is amazing! I tried rabbit and octopus while abroad, which I would not have the courage to try back at home.
Pros
  • Great location to travel around Europe.
  • Academics are challenging enough to keep you engaged.
  • The food in Barcelona is incomparable to anywhere.
Cons
  • Housing maintenance is slow.
  • Legal outreach is difficult.
  • Pit pocketing culture in Barcelona!
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Avery
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CEA CAPA Florence

CEA CAPA provided me with an amazing abroad experience. My housing was in a great location with short walks to class, coffee shops, and outstanding restaurants. CEA CAPA also made sure I was taking the right classes for my credits to transfer which was so helpful. All the staff was friendly and helpful with the adjustment to a new culture. My professors were so knowledgeable and made class interesting with lots of hands on experiences. I recommend this program to anyone looking to study abroad in Florence!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate was Chicken Liver Pate. This is a meat spread made of chicken liver on bread. I was very skeptical about trying this but I ended up enjoying it and ordering it at many restaurants in Florence!
Pros
  • Field Trips
  • Helpful Visa Process
  • Professors
Cons
  • Limited Course Selection
  • Limited Class Sections
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Aanya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My cup of tea: How London truly changed me for the better

As a nervous freshman in college studying abroad seemed far-fetched to say the least; however, London was nothing but transformative and eye-opening. The CEA CAPA program helped me immerse myself in numerous ways. For example, visiting Stonehenge & Bath; catching shows on the West End; and having English tea. In terms of academics, CAPA was in constant communication and emphasized community. All of my professors encouraged me to share my thoughts, challenge old beliefs, and create new ideas which spoke volumes to the atmosphere CAPA harbored. London was such a beautiful experience and the housing was a plus too--doubles with a kitchen and a bathroom! London is definitely worth the trip and CEA CAPA makes the journey unforgettable.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
To any future travelers on this program, my biggest piece of advice is to do everything! Even if it seems childish or unusual try new things. For example, go to a pottery class or join a salsa dancing class. Once I truly let go and let myself enjoy the little things I found small pockets of happiness.
Pros
  • sponsored events (Stonehenge & Bath; West End Shows; Pottery Nights)
  • wide network
  • LinkedIn workshops
Cons
  • commute to class