Program Reviews

Granada was the perfect mix of immersion and support. When we first landed, not a lot of people spoke english, which was a stark difference from my later experience in Barcelona. That was perfect because it immediately dropped me into this new culture. As soon as we settled in we had a plan for each day. Our days were a mix of classes and excursions, some were tours and others were overnight. This schedule allowed us to see as much of out host city as we could while also getting the opportunity to explore on our own. Our CEA CAPA ambassadors accompanied us on excursions, and gave us advice for international jobs, suggestions for sightseeing, and help with travel plans. The city felt slower than a larger city might, but it felt very alive. That was perfect for my study abroad experience because I got to know a few locals while immersing myself in a new way of life. It was a beautiful way to get to know my new city while also learning and exploring at a comfortable pace.

My experience abroad was comprised of a wonderful Finance, Accounting, and Data Analytics internship at a sustainability startup called Clic Recycle. We worked with human hair to create products that decontaminate water, reduce water usage in growing crops, soundproof buildings, and more. I was able to rework some of the past systems to improve efficiency, and I was invited to attend the Mobile World Congress to find potential investors. Outside of my internship, I also had four very interesting classes that I was taking, which also included field trips and assignments that encouraged interaction with the local community. I was able to learn so much, not only about Barcelona, its culture, and its history, but I was also able to learn more about myself, my strengths, and my interests that would guide me to a fruitful future. The staff were so helpful in this, as they genuinely care about their students and want them to get all that they are hoping for and more out of the program. I cannot recommend this program enough, and have been an avid recommender for it since returning to my campus.

Definitely the experience of a lifetime! I met some of my best friends abroad from all over the world, who made my time abroad so fun, special, and full of growth! Seville is such a welcoming city with an amazing community. CEA CAPA made sure I was provided with the necessary tools to be comfortable, safe, have fun, but most importantly, feel right at home! I got placed in a beautiful house with 6 other girls and an amazing host mom who always made us feel cared for! The city is super safe and has an amazing culture with events like Feria and Semana Santa. Would absolutely recommend going in the Spring if these events are your priority!

Alicante is a lovely place to call home for a semester. The city is right on the water and has beautiful sunsets, great transportation, kind people, and an airport that is small and easy to navigate but has tons of destinations. The city is easy to learn and the locals are kind and helpful. Professors at the university are understanding and open-minded while being very knowledgeable and good at their jobs. Had amazing support staff that knew exactly what students were experiencing because they had done it before.

I love Alicante!

I had an amazing time in Granada. The program organizers were super helpful and supportive, and the classes were good, not too hard and not too time-consuming. The class sizes were pretty small, so it was easy to get close to people and build real connections. The city is great too. Everyone is friendly, there’s always something to do, and things are pretty affordable. The food is really good, and there are restaurants and shops literally everywhere. Plus, there are tons of fun summer shows and events that make the whole experience even better.

Studying abroad in Florence with CEA CAPA was genuinely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The program made everything feel so welcoming and easy from the moment I arrived. My classes were interesting and hands-on, and I loved that the professors encouraged us to explore the city and connect what we were learning to real experiences. Florence itself felt like the perfect place for a study abroad. It is so walkable, safe, and full of amazing food, culture, and small everyday moments that made the whole semester feel special. CEA CAPA also planned great excursions that helped me see more of Italy than I ever expected. I left feeling more confident, independent, and open to trying new things. If you’re considering Florence, I honestly can’t recommend it enough. I made some of my closest friends, learned so much about myself, and still think about it all the time. It’s an experience that truly stays with you forever.

Going abroad with CEA CAPA was so amazing. I couldn't have asked for better support before and after my program. The opportunities to get involved with the local community were my favorite part. I got to participate in activities like "Meet the Locals," where I got to feel connected to my home city. Also, the excursions that were offered really added to my experience. The free weekend in Valencia was one of my favorite trips of the whole semester. I got to meet more people in my program and go to a city I probably wouldn't have gone to before.

I enjoyed every aspect of my experience abroad. I started intimidated by walking into a new country and traveling somewhere without family. By the end of my trip, I had gained the confidence to travel on an airplane by myself. This was a huge accomplishment for me, as getting on a plane by myself was one of my biggest fears. Once I got used to my environment, I learned that I had to feel uncomfortable before I got comfortable. Going into a new experience will start off as overwhelming, but once this feeling goes away, we truly learn how to take in every moment as a learning experience. This program taught me how to seek out adventures and learn from any form of experience.

Prague is so incredibly rich in culture, history, community, life, and opportunity. The thing I loved most about going abroad was the fact that at any random time in the day, I could look up random things to do in the city and find something absolutely amazing to do, and there was always a train to take me there. The public transit is so good and the city is absolutely filled with ancient roman ruins, epic cathedrals, and quintessential lush parks that no time in Prague is wasted. After class, I was able to take a 10 minute train ride to an entire different district of the city (Prague is split into neighborhoods by number, the lower the number = closer to the city center) and enter a nearly 2,000 year old church overlooking Prague. At night, there are jazz clubs and waterfront pizza places with live bands, it's just absolutely brimming with things to do, and there are always people about. It's the perfect city for friends to wander around and experience new things, as it's safe and absolutely beautiful. I think the main takeaway for studying abroad is to go in with an open mind and the will to do anything, the motivation to make something of your time there - because there is always something to do, you just need to go out and find it. The more you look, the more you will see, and it will be absolutely incredible. As for the classes, I highly highly highly recommend Art and Architecture in the Golden City, as it's just fieldtrips. Every class, they take you to a new historical site, like the National Museum, Roman ruins beneath a pub, a river tour cruise. It's a lot of fun and it introduced me to the city more than just walking around ever could. One thing I wish I did more was talk to locals. I didn't talk to many people that weren't in the program, so I learned a lot about Czech history and my peers, but not about Czech present. I wish I learned more about what Czech people care about nowadays and what their favorite restaurants are. Don't be afraid to look stupid or to not know the language. Czech people are very nice and most of them know English fluently. Thanks, and I hope you enjoy Prague! Na shledanou!

I arrived in Aix knowing almost nothing. No familiarity with the city, no grasp of the language, and no idea what to expect. Even so, it didn’t take long for Aix to make an impression. It’s a place where the past is present in everyday life, from the architecture to the food to the quiet details you notice just walking through the streets.

What stood out most was how much there is to learn simply by being there. For five weeks, I explored the city daily, and every day brought something new. Aix has a way of steadily revealing itself without trying too hard. The people were a big part of what made the experience meaningful. Locals were friendly and often happy to share recommendations or small things to try from around the region. The farmers’ markets were always lively, full of fresh produce, handmade goods and eager vendors that would encourage us to taste different items. I still remember trying what felt like ten varieties of olives in one afternoon. The markets became a regular stop, not just for food, but because they gave such a clear feel for the rhythm of daily life in the city.

Even simple routines felt enjoyable. Most of my evenings ended with walks through the center of town. The atmosphere was relaxed but full enough that you always felt like something was happening, even if it was just people enjoying the night.

When it came to food, my class had a clear favorite, IT Italian. It happened to be the first restaurant we tried when we arrived and the last place we went before leaving. There’s a lot to do if you want to stay busy, but there’s also plenty to enjoy even if you’re just wandering without a plan. I can’t cover everything the city offers in one review, but the city has a lot to offer, and much of what makes it special is discovered simply by being there.