CEA CAPA Education Abroad Reviews

Studying abroad in Florence was the best decision I ever made. I was pushed out of my comfort zone and given the chance to learn more about myself in 4 months than I thought was ever possible. I would do it all over again if I could!

My semester in Florence was the best time of my life. Everyday was a new adventure exploring the city. The teachers were very nice, helpful, and knowledgable of their subject area. The CAPA staff were just as nice. They were there for you no matter what whether if you were sick or just needed a good recommendation for dinner. They became my second family. CAPA has the MyEducation program which are different events that the students can take part in. The different events in the program allow the students to learn more about the culture and the community. CAPA also many activities and trips that were included.

There was never a moment where I felt unsafe. CAPA and the apartments are all in safe areas and close to the center. I recommend studying abroad with CAPA if you want the true Florence experience!

I will forever be grateful for the CAPA Study Abroad program for offering such an amazing experience. I recently completed a fall semester study abroad in Sydney, Australia. I was able to hone my time management skills as I juggled coursewor, a part-time internship at drinks Association in Chatswood, and personal travel. After returning from my study abroad, I feel that I am able to add more valuable input in class discussions. I created long lasting ties with my co-workers at my internship site and took part in amazing travel opportunities to the Gold Coast and Cairns. I was busy and found I had to put n more work than originally anticipated, but nothing worthwhile comes easy! I would do another Study Abroad in a heartbeat; it is truly a life changing experience!

Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I could have ever done. I learned so much about London's culture, about myself, and the rest of the world. i was able to step out of my comfort zone, try new things, explore, make friends, and discover what London has to offer. CAPA did a great job in providing the necessary resources for me to learn about London and take advantage of such a diverse city. CAPA also did a great job in giving us opportunities to explore London and get a feel for what it is like to be British. I do wish we were able to interact more with local people, though. I loved where my flat was located, in Camden, which was very different from our classes in Kensington. I miss London each and every day.

Every day held immense opportunity for discovery. I quickly realized how little I knew about Italy, Florence, and its people before arriving. Stereotypes were broken down, social dynamics were brought to the light, and I realized how much cultural diversity exists. Every person I met and every experience I encountered contributed to me feeling like a more conscious individual.

Going to Sydney was something I will never forget, and the internship program left me with a lot of lasting memories. I interned at Driftwood Capital, a financial firm that helped growth-stage companies obtain capital. Being my first internship and it being in Australia, I had no idea what to expect. I was not treated like an intern at all and I became friends with some of the people I worked with. Even though we did not take classes with Australian students, I felt I was able to get my cultural experience by spending a lot of time with my coworkers.

In a curiously sudden break of time, I found myself being thrown around in a mass of absolutely freezing water, unable to control the movements of my own body. This break of time is indescribable and I've never discussed it with anyone so I don't know if anyone else has experienced something similar. But a pause like this has happened to me four times. I know that because I remember each moment distinctly, and am able to recall my exact thoughts, sights, and feelings without hesitation. In that moment when my body was the subject of a frigid and unfamiliar water, I realized I was meant to be scared. And I wanted to be scared again.

I was in Wales, on a weekend trip away from London, and I was coasteering. The adventure sport was distinctive to the western UK country and I'd traveled out there on a whim, leaving behind every one of my flatmates and my friends to carry on to a heated pub where a pint of cider would be waiting for them: a typical Friday evening event.

I wasn't satisfied with that repetitive event, though. And by the end of November I was quite sad, and homesick. So I hopped on a train to Fishguard and less than 24 hours later, I felt like I was drowning in that body of water.

Nearly a year to the date of that moment, I feel alive when I remember it. Because I felt so alive in that instance that I will never be able to forget it.

What was homesickness hours earlier had turned to a plain rush. A rush for more lack of control. The feeling of lacking control made me feel, ironically, a sense why I should live.

When yet another wave crashed into me, I shook back into existence and laughed at what I had just experienced. I laughed uncontrollably because I knew what a crazy moment it was, and that I would never be able to truly explain it.

London, and the opportunities that CAPA presented to me, were invaluable. And I did not fully grasp to such extent, until I was sitting on my couch at home hours after landing in Boston. What a shame that was.

As an independent person before ever stepping off American soil, I never had a difficult time blending in with the crowd. I could go to the cafe and the park, and take solo walks without feeling lonely or insecure. But for the first time in my life I truly felt small. It's sobering to think about, but I feel more like a citizen of the world for it, I embrace it.

**WARNING**** If you are not careful you will fall in love with Barcelona and never want to leave! The CEA program offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to help you live and experience a different culture while earning college credits.

Classes are based out of a safe and monitored building that is right in the center of Barcelona and some of the most beautiful sites you can ever see. Las Ramblas, a popular road for it's shops and restaurants, is right down the street and only a few miles away is the beautiful beach and amazing artistic creations such as the Gaudi House and La Sagrada Familia. The teachers and staff of the program are amazing and really care about the students but also understand that it is a study abroad program and integrate fun ways to learn and live the Catalan culture. Depending on where you live, wether in a home stay or an apartment with other students, you have the option of either walking or taking the metro.

While commuting to school there are many amazing bakeries and small restaurants where you will taste the best paella you will ever have. Some of the must tries are the churros and hot chocolate, which is more like a hot chocolate pudding that you dip your churro into, the sea food paella, and the many tapas that are available such as croquets.

Barcelona night life has something for every type of person. Loco Lunes "Crazy Mondays" are a big night out where you can go to small urban bars such as The Dow Jones, to salsa dancing clubs, or night clubs with dj's and dancing such as Opium.

There are many ups to moving to Barcelona for a study abroad but there are also downs. There is a big time difference compared to the US which can make it difficult but not impossible to skype or call family members. Jet lag is also hard to get used to after arriving to Barcelona so getting on a normal sleep pattern early in your experience will do you a lot of good. And obviously one of the biggest adjustments to be made is living in a Spanish speaking country. As long as you are willing to try and speak Spanish people will be kind and they will work with you and in turn probably want to practice some English with you.

My biggest advice for you is to always have a smile on your face because people will be more inclined to be patient, help you, or approach you to talk. Be grateful for your time there because it does not last forever and it goes by fast. Do as much as possible, don't sit at home if you are homesick get out there and explore! And last but not least have some Sangria, you will never find Sangria as good as Barcelona's.

I work from 9 - 5 Monday through Thursday and traveled on the weekends. I enjoyed my internship but I didn't care for the commute and public transportation. It was rewarding to get to see so much of Sydney, Australia. Like the Opera House and Darling Harbour. I got to make new friends and build my network for my future career. I work at a travel guide publishing company. I wrote for their blog and website. I also did the events section for their publication for the spring. The first day I was there I got an assignment and wrote an article that was published. Having this internship help me become a better writer and employee. There was a confidence that came with have my writing being used each week. I found myself to be more liberating young woman. When you are 15 hours ahead of everyone you know you can’t call you mom and have her fix your problems. You have to figure it out for yourself.This experience has taught me to except people for who they are. This trip has made me want try to learn something about all cultures and to continue to travel the world.