CEA CAPA Education Abroad

CEA CAPA Education Abroad Reviews

Caroline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable, Eye-Opening Experience

I believe that everyone's study abroad experience is unique, and no matter what program you go through, the fate of your enjoyment relies on your willingness to be open-minded and step out of your comfort zone. However, CEA provided every necessary resource in order to create the ideal study abroad experience. From flamenco dance lessons, to self-defense classes, to connecting with local intercambio students, CEA went above and beyond to create a unique, enjoyable, and comfortable environment. Soaking in the local culture by exploring historical sites, such as the Cathedral, Giralda, Alcázar, Archivo de Indias, etc., is a great way to delve into the historical world of this city, while actively participating in the renowned "Feria de Abril" in Seville expands your perspective of dance and music, allowing you to explore a whole new cultural experience. Overall, as a result of studying abroad with CEA in Seville, my perspective on the world has broadened, and I see life from a worldly viewpoint instead of my narrowed, small-town mindset.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't be afraid to make yourself uncomfortable–whether speaking the language, tasting a local tapa, or attempting to learn a new form of dance–in order to take full advantage of the new cultural experiences.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Caroline, thank you for your kind words and the well-thought-out review. Your detailed recommendations for Seville and study abroad insights will help guide future students when researching and deciding upon their own study abroad experiences. Getting out of your comfort zone is a great step toward getting the most out of studying abroad, and we’re happy to hear you embraced it! We are thrilled to hear you had a great semester with CEA in Seville, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

Jonathan
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

If I could do it again, I would

This was by far, THE best experience of my life. Barcelona truly became my home, even though I spent such a short time there. CEA really helps you, not just academically, but also provide helpful insights about Spain, as well as really fun trips/excursions to other places in Spain. The classes I took really helped me understand Spain's culture and gave me a new outlook on how similar we all are. I came into the program not knowing anyone, because I wanted to get the most out of this experience and step out of my comfort zone, and it was the best decision I've made. I met amazing, like-minded people who I shared the best experiences with, traveling throughout Europe and throughout Spain. Traveling throughout Europe, between countries is very easy, which was great, because I was able to travel to Paris, Rome, Milan, Greece, as well as other parts of Spain.
If you're given the chance, Barcelona is the place you need to go.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
For future travelers on this program, I would highly suggest doing the program alone, as in go into it without friends from home/school, because it really gets you out of your comfort zone and you end up making the greatest friends. Also, don't travel so much on weekends, and if you do, you'll want to extend your stay in Barcelona. There's so much to see in Barcelona; it's nearly impossible with just the four months you have. Lastly, try to travel far from the city center, on the last metro stop, because that's where you'll find the real Spanish culture and not just the tourist traps. Finally, have a great time! There's so much to do and so much to see, make sure you're making the most of it.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Jonathan, thank you for your thorough and positive review! Your detailed tips and insights will help guide future students when researching and deciding upon their own study abroad experiences. We are thrilled to hear you had a great semester studying abroad with CEA in Barcelona, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

Delaney
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Beautiful City and Great Program

This semester was the best time of my life. I chose Seville on a whim, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made. Seville is a perfect medium-sized city so it's easy to get around and get familiar with most of it, but there are always new things to do and see. You won't get bored--even just walking around the old, gorgeous streets. I found that once I made Seville my home for the semester, most of the cities I would visit in Spain and Europe rarely compared to the vibrancy and culture of Seville.

The program with CEA in Seville is also the perfect size. Unlike other programs, you get to know your staff/advisors well and you form close bonds with the other students because there aren't too many of you. The housing was great; I chose the Casa de Sevilla option and it was perfect). CEA's facilities are so beautiful and in the perfect location in the city.

If you are interested in coming to study in Sevilla, I would definitely recommend trying to do so in the spring. During this time the city hosts its two largest events of the year: Semana Santa and Feria de Abril. These were honestly my favorite part of experiencing the culture.

I wouldn't change a thing about this semester and I would HIGHLY recommend it to others.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would choose a CEA program at University of Seville or EUSA instead of Universidad Pablo de Olavide to avoid a commute by metro.
Mia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Alicante review

I loved every minute of Alicante. I had never heard of it before choosing to go there. I found it on the CEA website and they were the only ones I found that had offered it. CEA had an immense amount of information to offer the students on their website as well as during my time there I actually worked with CEA to do voice overs for many of their videos. They wanted voice overs in order to make it even easier and convenient for the students to watch and learn the information about CEA and Alicante. Alvaro and Adriana are amazing and were available with support and help with a quick response 24/7. I think more people who want to study abroad in Spain need to consider Alicante because of its gorgeous beaches, beautiful city and of course CEA.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I was so terrified about staying with a homestay.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Thank you for your thorough and thoughtful review, Mia! And we appreciate your creative work and helping the CEA team while you were in Alicante, too. We are thrilled to hear you had a positive experience studying abroad with CEA, and we hope you’ll stop by and say hello the next time you find yourself back in Alicante!   

Austin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Do it!

When I say "do it," I don't just mean go study abroad in Barcelona, that should be a given. When I say "do it," I mean fully immerse yourself and make sure you are uncomfortable as often as possible. It sucks that the majority of kids travel for the sake of Instagram, or are simply doing the things that they are already comfortable with... those are not the things that make you grow as an individual. I went as a sophomore, and as most kids go as juniors, I went not knowing anybody on my program. This was definitely the right decision as I was forced to step outside of my comfort zone to create relationships that may end up lasting a life time. I highly suggest you study abroad somewhere, I just hope you do it the way that it should be done, not the way that everyone else does it.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I chose to march alongside the yellowjackets in Paris, and it was a combination of terrifying awe.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Austin, we appreciate hearing your personal approach to studying abroad and are glad it resulted in such a wonderful experience for you in Barcelona. Getting outside your comfort zone is one of the best things about study abroad, and we’re thrilled you embraced it throughout your semester. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

Lilia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spring in Sevilla

Frankly, the main reason I chose CEA in Sevilla was the cost. I knew that I wanted to study in a Spanish-speaking city, and didn't really have a preference of which one. Additionally, I wanted a place that would be easy to travel from. Sevilla met all these expectations, and CEA was so reasonably priced, so I decided to go for it!

I absolutely fell in love with the city and culture. I absolutely adored my time in the heart of Andalusia, and already want to return. Sevilla is such an easily walkable place, which makes exploring fun and easy. The natural and manmade beauty can not be overstated. I made some amazing, lifelong friends through CEA and was able to learn so much about the city and country I was living in at the University of Sevilla and the CEA center. The CEA excursions were very well organized and allowed us to thoroughly enjoy Lisbon, Cordoba, and Granada.

As the song says, Sevilla tiene un color especial.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take advantage of cheap plane and train tickets, but don't forget to get to know Sevilla. Weekends in Sevilla are so much fun too! Also, get the carrot cake at Viajero Sedentario on the Alameda!!!! It is life changing!
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Lilia, thank you for taking the time to write this thoughtful review! We are so glad to hear CEA was a life-changing, positive experience for you, and your tips for enjoying all Seville has to offer will serve as a guide to future CEA students when researching their own programs! Be sure to stop by and say hello should you find yourself back in Seville 😊 We wish you all the best in your future endeavors, Lilia!

Mackenzie
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Cultural Experience

Studying abroad in Aix is something I'll remember for the rest of my life. I made lifelong friends, and felt totally immersed in the culture for the 5 months I spent there. CEA was the most kind, helpful, and protecting in preparing me for France and while I was abroad. I would 100% recommend them to anyone looking to study abroad. France was a unique cultural difference, but it helped me to see the world in a new way. I got to travel while also fulfilling credits that will transfer back to my home university. The school buildings were nice and offered as many programs possible, including clubs and a cafe! While I had a few issues with my specific academic program, I still was glad I got to experience it. Aside from that, everything was perfect! Would do it again in a heartbeat!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
While school is super important, don't be prepared for it to be the same as the American school system. It's not bad, just different, and I think that got to me; hindering some of my experiences.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Mackenzie, we so appreciate your kind words about CEA and are thrilled you had a positive experience in Aix with us! “Would do it again in a heartbeat” echoes the same sentiments as so many of our alumni. We’re always working to improve upon our programs, so feel free to reach out if you have any further feedback or suggestions for CEA! Thank you again and we wish you the best 😊

Ashleigh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience i'll ever have

My family and I were both nervous for me to study abroad. Being alone in an foreign place is scary the first time! CEA made everything so easy while preparing for my study abroad experience. They always answered my questions within 48 hours (no matter how small they were) and sent many personal reminder emails as the deadlines for forms got closer. When I got to Aix, there were many excursions included and the onsite staff was very helpful when I had no idea what I was doing. I participated in the Mobile Journalist (MOJO) program with CEA as well, taking photos, videos, and making blog posts throughout the semester. Choosing to be a mobile journalist was such a great idea for me because I had an excuse to go out and take pictures instead of studying :) and it allowed me to share my photography with a wider community. I would 100% recommend CEA to anyone hesitant about going abroad because of how helpful and knowledgeable the employees are.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would have saved up more money for travelling. Especially while living in an apartment, there are many expenses that you do not account for. If I had come with more money, I would not have had to be so picky on where I went on the weekend, or how much food I could afford for the week.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Thank you for your review, Ashleigh! We’re thrilled to hear you had a positive experience in Aix with CEA, and your thorough feedback + tips will serve as a guide for future students when researching their own study abroad destinations. We are so appreciative of your contributions as a CEA MOJO, too! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors, and be sure to stop by and say “Bonjour” the next time you find yourself in Aix!

Whitney
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

London and More!

I studied abroad in London for 3 months. While I was abroad I had the chance to go to 9 additional countries and experience a multitude of different cultures. I interned and volunteered while abroad. I spoke with many people about how Brexit was affecting their lives and their experiences migrating to the UK. In a manner of 3 months, I grew as a person and became more independent. I traveled all over with two friends and we became super close throughout the entire semester. Aside from the staff at CAPA and my friends, my biggest support system while in London was my host family. They were there to answer any questions I had and to help me when I and my friend lost our travel cards. Having a host family was the best decision I made while abroad, and I can't wait to go back to see them.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Plan well in advance. My friends and I traveled through Italy and Greece during our midterm break, we did this for about $600 per person accommodations and travel included. Some of our other classmates took similar trips and waited too long to book, they had to pay twice as much for the same trip.
Leeza
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Hidden gems in Florence

Studying abroad was the best experience of my life. I got to immerse myself in Italian culture through long weekends, class field trips around Tuscany, and long lunch breaks. I not only learned about the topics we discussed in class, but how those topics work in Italy and their relationship with culture.
The CAPA staff are amazing. Give great recommendations, directions, tips, and etiquette lessons. I had shown the staff a picture of a statue I saw on Pinterest asking why I don’t see it. I immediately got directions to go just outside of Florence to the park that this statue was at. They then gave tips on where to eat in the area. This was overall a great experience that I would recommend anyone to take advantage of and CAPA made it even better.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Pack lighter. You will probably have to carry your luggage up stairs and down streets. Elevators are not common and some streets close at different times in the day.