Program Reviews

I loved studying in Barcelona and CEA CAPA was a great program to go through. The study center was located in the direct center of the city which made it easy and fun to travel to classes. It was also great because there was always something going on, whether it was a cooking class or a tour of the city, there were endless possibilities to integrate yourself into the Spanish culture. Another great thing about studying in Barcelona was the various amounts of scenery. The beach being so close, as well as the mountains with the city in the middle made endless possibilities for exploring.

I spent the fall semester of 2024 abroad in Seville, Spain through CEA CAPA. I was very nervous that, as a triple-major, I would not be able to study abroad with a program that would give me enough credit to graduate on time. However, the CEA staff reached out to me personally and helped me discover that their programs have a lot of flexibility regarding class offerings. They were also very supportive both pre- and post-departure of my concerns that arose surrounding mental health support while abroad. I was able to learn so much about the host culture through the unique structure of their program that is so encouraging of immersion opportunities. The staff onsite were so kind and caring for me and my individual needs, and they helped me find friends that I have remained and will continue to keep in contact with for the rest of my life!

I got so much fun from my experience studying abroad at CLM through CEA CAPA. The classes provided me with enough cultural insight and history to really appreciate the city. Through CEA, my group went on weekend trips out of town, which was a great way to hang out with everyone and travel. The teachers at the university were very passionate about teaching and so sweet, and the staff was always around and willing to help. I really encourage anyone who goes just to talk to people and put themselves out there to see what they are able to get out of studying abroad. I also volunteered with a soup kitchen and stayed with a host mom through CEA, which both provided me with great opportunities to connect with the locals, gain confidence in my Spanish-speaking, and get recommendations for places to go eat and sight-see.

A little about Granada itself outside of the program. The city was considered small, so it was very walkable and easy to get around. It was great for shopping and sightseeing: there were so many restaurants, a main shopping street, and lots of cool alleyway shops, small vendors, cathedrals, monasteries, and parks all within 30 minutes walking time of each other. Granada is the last major city before the coast and has a lot of Muslim, European, and Jewish influence, so there is something for everyone, whether that be food, history, or walking around. The lifestyle is extremely laid back, and many restaurants are open late into the night, so people can socialize and relax. It is also a good city to slow down in before moving onto the beach, mountains, or surrounding larger cities.

I couldn't recommend this program enough. CEA CAPA offered so many resources that made my time in Madrid seamless and comforting. Academics were both engaging and thought-provoking and the professors were excellent. Madrid is a huge travel hub and allows easy access to explore other parts of Europe and beyond. The food is incredible—you can't pick a bad spot, whether you're grabbing tapas or eating at Mercado San Miguel. You can't miss the city's vibrant culture, from the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum to Retiro Park—and especially Real Madrid Games—all offer something unique and memorable. I couldn’t have asked for a better academic setting while immersing myself in my new favorite city.

I had SUCH a good time studying abroad in Costa Rica. Cea Capa picked me and all the other students up from the airport which was so comforting with the change of moving to another country for a semester. The excursions with Cea Capa were perfect for settling in and making friends with the other study-abroad students. Other weekends were filled with field trips for class, we got to see firsthand what we were learning in class. I took Spanish, Tropical Birds, Climate Change, and Freshwater Ecology. I've never had a better relationship with professors, I enjoyed going to class and I learned so much while I was there. On weekends without a field trip or excursions, I would go on personal trips, mostly to the beach and explore the beautiful San Jose.

CEA CAPA allowed me to feel safe, protected, and never alone throughout my entire time abroad. Traveling alone and living random, I was nervous and wondered if I would have a support system all the way on the other side of the world, and I never felt lonely. Madrid was safe, SO fun, and had enough to do to live there for 10 years and still be finding new things. What an experience! The city itself is so full of life, and especially around the holidays their are people everywhere and you feel the strong sense of community they have.

Studying abroad had a significant impact on my academic growth. It provided a chance to deepen my understanding and appreciation of politics and foreign affairs. I greatly admire Prague's political atmosphere, with its rich history and diverse viewpoints, and I learned so much. This experience gave me a unique opportunity to bring innovative ideas back to Marist. It is exciting to be in an environment where curiosity sparks ideas, innovation, and creativity. Because of this I engaged in meaningful intellectual exchanges with my peers in Prague, which will be a valuable learning experience for all of us. Additionally, I'm eager to gain a different academic perspective by interacting with professors from around the world, further broadening my concept of what it means to be a well-rounded student.

Blatantly put, I presumed it would be a quick adjustment for me. I had traveled to London previously and have traveled prior, so why wouldn't I have adjusted quickly? Well, anyone who has studied abroad knows that reality will hit you like a tube. Beyond all the change within my life, CEA CAPA was a place where I could almost forget about it all. I met individuals, whether peers or faculty, that were all extremely supportive and genuine people. Everyone is not just passionate about their role within education, but about London itself. I built a routine, even if it was just waving to reception when I walked through the door, and found a home away from home. It is a daunting adjustment at times, but I regret absolutely nothing. CEA CAPA played such a prominent role in my time abroad, and I look back so fondly at the connections I made with professors, mentors, and peers, along with the memories.

My experience studying and interning abroad in Barcelona was fun and inspiring. Having the program help and pick out an internship that best suited me was the best part. I got to take part in a team that looked at all my different passions and skills I wanted to develop and learn. It was a great opportunity to gain internship experience and cross cultural networking.

Alongside my internship, I took a class to better understand the experience of working abroad. It covered everything from crafting resumes and cover letters to interview prep and LinkedIn strategies, skills I know will be valuable in the future

I had so much fun in my semester abroad and I am so grateful that I had this opportunity! The free excursions were fun, and Christmas in Paris was magical. Studying with CEA CAPA really helped me to be able to branch out and improve my French. I was in a program that helped me to improve my French, more than my French major ever did. I also met so many people who I never would have met otherwise. I'm extremely proud that I got this opportunity and would recommend it to anyone who has the chance.