CEA CAPA Education Abroad

CEA CAPA Education Abroad Reviews

Ember
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer 2026 Study Abroad with CEA CAPA

I loved everything CEA CAPA did for my cohort. We were picked up from the airport and escorted to our housing. I loved where they had us stay, such a nice town that I felt safe in. The apartment was clean and they welcomed us with different foods that we could try, which was very helpful. They showed us around Rome and presented some tips and tricks on how to navigate a new country. I loved our weekend trips and how CEA staff helped us navigate the new city. The staff were all super helpful and made us feel safe and heard.

What was your funniest moment?
One of the funniest moments I can remember in Rome, was when we first tried to use the metro. It’s very easy once you get the hang of it but when we first got there we didn’t expect how fast everything moves. Once the metro arrived we filed in behind some people and took our time. That was our mistake after one of my friends got on the doors began closing! They closed on my leg and on the front of my other friend and we tried our best to pry the doors open. Luckily the doors reopened and we were able to get on but for the rest of the day my friend and I had black residue on us from the doors!
Pros
  • Traveling to Sorrento
  • Tour of the Colosseum
  • Everything was planned out for me
What other participants should know
  • Couldn’t speak to many people due to the language barrier
  • Homesickness
  • My feet hurt from all the walking
Ellery
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester in Florence, Italy Review

This program was absolutely amazing! I studied with CIS Abroad for 15 weeks in Florence, Italy. From the airport pickup to the farewell dinner, it was nothing short of amazing. You truly get what you pay for. We had 2 free day trips through the program and countless activities in Florence, including Opera tickets, Roman Thermal Baths, different museums, and so much more. The on-site team made me feel so supported and cared for, and I always felt comfortable going to them with questions or advice, or even just wondering what restaurants to go to for dinner! I couldn't recommend this program more!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment was arriving at the airport. As someone who had never flown by myself or been out of the country before, this was a huge milestone for me. With CIS Abroad being at the airport to pick us up, I felt a huge relief knowing that someone knew how to speak Italian, communicate with the taxi driver, and could get us to our housing!
Pros
  • Supportive Staff
  • Rich Culture
  • Amazing Food
What other participants should know
  • Expensive
  • Language Barrier
Christopher
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Reassurance in Medicine in Italy

Atlantis and CEA CAPA structured this study abroad program exceptionally well by ensuring you feel completely supported without ever feeling that you're locked into an unwavering schedule. Having a great group dynamic meant I was never truly alone, yet the schedule provided plenty of personal freedom to explore local culture on your own or with smaller groups. For example, after a scheduled pasta-making class in Frascati, we had free time, so I struck up a conversation with one of the instructors who ended up showing our group around town and introducing us to a amazing local supplì shop. On top of that, completing 60 hours of shadowing gave me unprecedented access to hospital operations and surgical suites that is nearly impossible to get in the U.S. This program struck the ultimate balance between professional preparation and cultural immersion, giving me the confidence, mentorship, and perspective I needed to return home fully reignited for my pre-med path.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Many people I talked to were scared of the language barrier including me, and the best recommendation I can give is don't be. Between the city managers being fluent in english and just current technology like google translate I didn't face any problems with a language barrier.
Pros
  • Awesome chance for shadowing
  • Got to make Professional Connections
  • Felt like a vacation not just a study
Fatehatul
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Perfect Maymester in Barcelona

My three-week Maymester in Barcelona was a great balance of academics, exploring the city, and having the support I needed as a first-time study abroad student. From the first day, the CEA CAPA staff made the transition much easier. We had an orientation where they shared helpful apps, food recommendations, transportation tips, safety information, and even gave us a basic Spanish lesson. We also took a walking tour of one of Barcelona’s neighborhoods, which was a nice introduction to the city before we started exploring on our own.

The housing was another highlight. Our apartment was in an incredibly convenient location, and we could actually see the Sagrada Família from outside. The apartment already had the basic amenities we needed, so we mainly had to worry about groceries, food, and transportation. My class was also only about a 30-minute walk or 15-minute bus ride away, which made getting there really easy. I also really appreciated the airport pickup when I first arrived. Traveling abroad for the first time can already be overwhelming, so having transportation arranged and knowing where to go immediately after landing took away a lot of that initial stress.

Overall, the three-week format was perfect for a Maymester. It was long enough to become comfortable in Barcelona and experience the city, while still fitting easily into my summer.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Barcelona is a really diverse and accessible city, so take advantage of how much there is to explore. You can get by with English in many places, but Catalan is the main local language, so learning a few basic Catalan phrases is a nice way to show respect and connect with locals.

Definitely be aware of pickpocketing, especially on the metro, buses, and in crowded tourist areas like La Rambla. Try not to make yourself an obvious target, keep track of your belongings, and stay aware of your surroundings.

Google Maps was my best friend for getting around, and Barcelona’s public transportation system is very reliable. With a good T-card, you can reach most places you would want to visit. I would also recommend exploring beyond the major tourist attractions. Neighborhoods like El Born and Gràcia are worth spending time in, and places outside Barcelona like Montserrat and Girona are close enough for an easy day trip. Some of my favorite experiences came from exploring beyond the places I had originally planned to visit.
Pros
  • Convenient housing & transportation
  • Supportive on-site staff
  • Organized cultural excursions
What other participants should know
  • Pickpocketing concerns
  • Crowded tourist areas
Alaina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Alaina’s Abroad Experience

This was the most impactful journey of my life! I got to adapt and learn so much about the Italian culture! This experience changed who I was. I am way more confident in myself and my active listening skills and understanding other cultures. I met so many amazing people and made so many amazing networking relationships through work and school. This experience was so impactful for me because I had never left the country before going on this trip so it was definitely scary but looking back now I’m so much more confident in sure of myself I love to hear about people’s travels and journeys and experiences.

Joana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Semester in Madrid That Gave Me So Much More Than I Expected

Studying abroad in Madrid with CEA CAPA was one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. From the beginning, I felt supported with the practical parts of moving abroad, but I also had plenty of independence to figure things out for myself and really experience the city. Living in Madrid helped me become more confident, independent, and comfortable adapting to a different culture. I especially loved being able to explore the city, travel, meet people from different backgrounds, and improve my Spanish through everyday life. The CEA CAPA staff were approachable and helpful whenever I had questions, which made such a big difference while living so far from home. I would absolutely recommend the program to students who want a balance of support, independence, travel, and a genuine experience living abroad.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My biggest advice is to take advantage of Madrid beyond the tourist attractions. Learn how to use the Metro, explore different neighborhoods, try speaking Spanish even if you are nervous, and say yes to things you normally might not do at home. Some of my favorite parts of studying abroad came from simply becoming comfortable living in the city and realizing how independent I had become. Also, travel when you can, but don’t spend every weekend away. Madrid itself has so much to experience, and some of the best memories come from actually making it feel like home.
Pros
  • Living in Madrid and experiencing the city as a resident rather than just a tourist
  • Becoming much more independent and confident while living abroad
  • Having the freedom to travel and explore while still having support from CEA CAPA staff
What other participants should know
  • The cost of living and traveling can add up quickly, especially if you want to make the most of your time abroad.
  • The first few weeks can feel overwhelming while adjusting to a new city, transportation system, language, and routine.
Emma
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Interning Abroad

I had the opportunity to work as a marketing intern in Barcelona and it was an amazing experience! I learned so much about working in a different culture and gained valuable hands-on marketing experience as well. I created graphics, videos, and flyers that strengthened my marketing abilities and learned how to do analysis on the success of those materials as well. I was given various opportunities to interact with many different people within the workforce and it was an unforgettable experience!

Caelyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

First Gen Abroad in Sevilla Spain

My program with CEA CAPA was part of WSU's First Gen Abroad Program. The entire cohort was made up of first generation college students from all of the different Washington State University Campus. It was amazing to be immersed in such a welcoming culture full of students who I could relate to. I felt as if I had a study abroad family in another country, and our host parents made us feel like their real children. Sevilla is an amazing place and I would love to go back there! While it's not required to know spanish, it definitely made it easier for me to adjust because I knew a good amount of the language. CEA CAPA gave a survival spanish class, but I recommend brushing up on your spanish beforehand.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Homesickness and getting travel burnout are super nerve wracking experiences while studying abroad. I recommend bringing a journal to help work through all those big feelings, especially when you first get there! Another thing I learned is to have people in your cohort and the people you meet sign your journal - it'll help you remember the good times you had while abroad.
Pros
  • Siesta from 3-5pm
  • Living with my cohort
  • Interacting with locals for assignments
What other participants should know
  • Adjusting to a different food scene
  • 2.5 hr long classes
  • Sevilla gets hot!
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience in Seville, Spain

I had an amazing time with CEA CAPA in Seville, Spain. Seville is a stunning city, rich with culture. Through CEA CAPA, I learned so much about travel, Spanish history and culture, and how to live abroad. CEA CAPA planned immersive excursions, had great teachers, and was always supportive with any questions or concerns I had. In school, I learned a ton, but I learned the most by walking around the city, observing Spanish life, taking the metro, eating at local restaurants, and trying to speak the language. Overall, going to Seville with CEA CAPA was a life-changing experience that I would recommend to anyone that has the opportunity.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate was sardines. Everywhere. Sardines are a huge thing is most Spanish dishes. They're not my favorite, and that may not change, but I did get accustomed to it while I was there:)
Pros
  • New friends
  • New pespective
  • Learned about history
What other participants should know
  • Class far from housing
  • Weather at the end of June
  • Needs more reminders about included activities
Gabrielle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A life-changing experience thanks to CEA CAPA Abroad

Before embarking on my summer abroad, I felt very nervous because it was my first time leaving the country. I didn't know what awaited me or what the support overseas would be like. However, my experience through CEA CAPA, specifically CIS Abroad, was nothing short of excellent and inspiring. The on-site staff at my location helped make Florence feel like home. I will cherish the intentional friendships, countless memories, and especially the cultural experiences for the rest of my life! Because of study abroad, I have been changed for the better!