Program Reviews

This experience was truly one of the most life-changing events I have had. I made some of my closest friends in college that I lived with for five weeks in Rome, and have continued to stay close with them following the program. The resources CEA CAPA provided helped me immensely with the preparation to live alone in a foreign country, and everything was taken care of when we arrived. This experience was so unique to me because of the incredible memories I made with my study abroad group both in and out of the classroom and I cannot believe I didn't know them before this summer. We all share such a special bond no matter where we end up after college, but I am sure we will all stay close and always remember the unforgettable time we had in Italy.

The Alicante Intensive Spanish Language program was an incredible experience! The immersion in Alicante, a beautiful coastal city in Spain, provided the perfect balance of intensive language learning and cultural exploration. The classes were challenging but very effective, and the small class sizes allowed for personal connection with the lovely spanish teachers. I could feel my Spanish improving daily, especially with the opportunities to practice outside of class with locals. Alicante isn’t overwhelmed with tourists, so I got to experience the culture more naturally. From exploring the historic Castillo de Santa Barbara to enjoying the beaches and local festivals, there was always something exciting to do. The program also offered excursions to Isla Tabarca and the beautiful mountain town of Guadalest. We also did a city tour, paella cooking class, and wine tasting as a group, which were all so much fun. I felt very safe and comfortable in Alicante, and the public transportation was amazing! We were given metro/bus cards so we could easily get anywhere in the city, and the metro ran up and down the coast, so we could explore different nearby beach towns. Overall, the Alicante Intensive Spanish Language program was a fantastic choice for anyone looking to improve their Spanish quickly while enjoying the rich culture of a less touristy but vibrant part of Spain. I highly recommend it!

I had the absolute best time studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain. I can confidently say that it was the best time of my life that I will forever hold close to my heart. If I wasn't a senior, I would be going again-- and making sure CEA CAPA was there to have my back. CEA CAPA made my experience smooth sailing. Whether it was my pink eye or when my host mother wasn't able to cook for us for a week, CEA CAPA was there to figure it out for us. Sevilla is such a magical place that will win your heart. The people are so kind. Sevilla is traditional Spain, so you really feel like you are living in another country. It is so unique. Some days were challenging, but that was the only way I was able to grow into the strongest version of myself. The city is magnificent with much to do. Not to mention its great prices and awesome fashion and culture. There was always something to do; a new experience was always a walk outside my home.

Studying abroad with CEA CAPA in Paris last summer was truly a one of a kind experience. CEA CAPA did everything they could to make sure that studying abroad was nothing like being a tourist in the City of Lights. I was able to fully immerse into the French culture and community through all of the little things like commuting on the metro, having a traditional French breakfast with my host family in the mornings, and becoming a regular at my favorite fruit stand. It was through these moments that I learned so much more than just what I did in the classroom. In the classroom I learned how to speak French and about French culture, and then even just on my way to lunch after class I was able to see it in action. I got to see all of the tourist things like monuments and museums which were so amazing, but I also got to see a side of Paris that many people don't get to see. When I think of my time in Paris, what I miss the most is something as simple as walking the streets of Paris. That is what made this learning experience unforgettable.

I had a fantastic time in Buenos Aires! I was able to balance academics and personal life well. CEA CAPA's on-site staff informed students about all the details of navigating the city and provided resources students could use. After the first few days there, I felt well-informed about the city.

I studied at the University of Belgrano and appreciated that my professors valued experiential learning for students. Many of our projects and assignments required us to visit monuments, palaces, and museums throughout the city. I learned much about Latin American and Argentine history that I probably would have never known if it weren't for traveling abroad.

I made an amazing group of friends, many of whom I'm still in contact with. We traveled all around Argentina and even had the chance to travel to Brazil. We all enjoyed going to soccer games and making friends with locals because we often visited jersey stores in Boca.

I was able to visit my mom's birthplace, Cordoba, and meet her family and friends there. I truly had the best time and would recommend it to anyone considering Argentina.

One of the best experiences of my life. I learned a lot on this trip including academics and was able to learn how to be more independent while also having support from CEA when needed. Tons of activities to do in Paris and the program included a lot of activities in conjunction with classes so it wasn't all classes. The apartment I was in was small but I thought it was pretty good. The staff is superb. I loved them so much. They seemed like they actually liked their jobs. That's the first time I've seen something like that before.

My semester abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina was nothing short of transformative. From the vibrant culture to the stunning landscapes, every moment was filled with discovery and growth. I attended classes at the CEA CAPA Study Center. I found the classes both challenging and engaging. The professors were passionate, often integrating local history and culture into the curriculum, making learning feel relevant and immersive. Living with other students studying abroad was one of the highlights of my experience. Friends of my family acted as my host family and introduced me to traditional Argentine customs, from asado to tango, showcasing the warmth and hospitality of the Argentine people. They have a truly welcoming spirit!

Exploring Buenos Aires became a daily adventure, with each neighborhood offering something unique—from the colorful streets of La Boca to the historic charm of San Telmo. The city’s vibrant nightlife, filled with music and dancing, was exhilarating.

Beyond the city, Argentina's natural landscapes took my breath away. A trip to Patagonia revealed majestic mountains and glaciers while visiting Iguazu Falls left me mesmerized by its sheer power and beauty.
Of course, there were challenges. The language barrier was initially daunting, but immersing myself in Spanish every day helped me improve quickly.

Overall, my semester in Argentina was a life-changing experience. I gained academic knowledge, developed a deeper understanding of a culture rich in history and tradition, and returned home with lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. If you're considering a semester abroad, Argentina should be at the top of your list!

My experience was so amazing and Australia provided the opportunity to experience an entirely different side of the world which was very special. Sydney was a balance of beaches and city and it offered so many cultures and activities. I was able to explore and meet lots of new people while traveling. Going abroad helped me find a new sense of independence and there were many moments where I was encouraged to step outside of my comfort zone, and I am so thankful that I did because it allowed me to find out more about myself.

There are many people that do not get the chance to leave the country. Even before this program though, I was not one of those people. I was lucky enough that my parents granted me multiple opportunities to leave the country while growing up. Because of this, I thought I was prepared; I thought I knew what I was doing. Truth is, it's an entirely different ballgame.

Being in Prague, studying in international libraries, looking and walking across and through structures that are more than 3/4 of a millennia old, and many, many more, are all amazing. However, it's not about what you do, it's about who you do it with. I think the reason I thought I knew what I was doing was because when I did travel with my family, it was mostly sightseeing and dinners and such. I thought that's what studying abroad would be - seeing cool things, maybe interact with a few locals and call it a day. Maybe this is why I thought I knew anything about anything overseas: "I saw cool things outside of America, how different could this be." Well, when you're spending days with your family, let alone your friends and not going outside of your comfort zone, it's easy to say so. However, once you leave that comfort zone, once you take out/off those headphones and start interacting with locals, or even other people visiting, that's when the real perspective gaining begins.

There's such a culture shift it's not even funny. You go from "USA! USA! USA!" to "dang, I see where we get our reputation". If you don't know what I mean by that, ask someone who's studied even one week outside of America and they'll elaborate.

Prague especially was so amazing. My academics were never hindered due to my experience as well. My partner program (UNYP) to CEA CAPA was great, for many of their own reasons and I could talk about that for a while, but we're focusing on CEA CAPA. In the study center, there are those from America or Prague/Czech Republic. All of whom were professional, engaging, interesting, and used subjects and materials that further immersed you into the city and its culture! For example, I took a class called arts and science in the golden city, and you can imagine what we studied. Not only did we do field studies in real locations with guided tours from the professors themselves, we also had assignments which forced us to go out and do some research on a given subject in itself. I use the term forced lightly, because it wasn't actually forced, it was just assigned. There was absolutely no resistance on my end from completing those tasks, because they were absolutely amazing, but that class is just one example. I could go on and on about the others, but the point is exactly what the review title states - please don't miss out on this opportunity!

My experience studying abroad in Rome was once in a lifetime. As a student studding Business Management at the University of Arizona I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity. I learned so much about Italy, gained new friendships, and a love for traveling. My experience was unique because the others students I was with are my classmates now, seeing how all of us grew over the course of 5 weeks was special and we all continue to utilize what we learned back home. Overall I would highly recommend studying abroad if the opportunity comes your way!