CEA CAPA Education Abroad

CEA CAPA Education Abroad Reviews

Aleiya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study abroad in Japan and South Korea

I absolutely loved being able to find new friends and explore a new place. We were able to learn soo much about the culture and even the language. I feel so grateful to have had this opportunity. The schedule was very flexible, so we were able to go around and see everything we wanted to. The classes were a bit long, but we were given breaks in between. There were so many good food spots just a five-minute walk from the university and a small Korean town. I was so surprised by the diversity and accessibility to eveything.

What was your funniest moment?
When we accidentally forgot someone on the train and had to run back to get her.
Pros
  • Food
  • Transportation
  • Friends
What other participants should know
  • Language barriers
  • Unique food
  • It was a bit rainy
Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Living and working in London!

I spent six weeks in London, England, this past summer through CEA CAPA, taking two classes while completing a 20-hour-a-week internship. It was such a unique experience to be able to balance school, work, and exploring a new country all at once. I loved getting to experience London beyond just being a tourist, whether that was through my internship, exploring different neighborhoods, trying new foods, or visiting places we learned about in class. I also got to meet so many amazing people from across the US and England and make friendships that I know will last long beyond the summer. CEA CAPA provided a great balance of independence and support, allowing me to step outside my comfort zone and make the most of my time abroad. This experience has had a lasting impact on both my education and personal growth, and I will always be grateful for the memories, people, and opportunities that made these six weeks so special!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone considering this program or a similar one is to be proactive and plan ahead! Time really does fly by when you’re abroad, so having an idea of the places you want to visit and trips you want to take can help you make the most of your experience. I was able to travel to Scotland and Paris during my time abroad, but I also met so many students who planned ahead and spent almost every weekend exploring a new country. At the same time, I think there is something really special about staying in your host city and having the weekends to explore places you might not otherwise get to see. There are definitely pros and cons to both, but my biggest advice is to find a balance that works for you and make sure you leave time for all the experiences you hope to have!
Pros
  • Location of Program home base
  • Other students on the trip
  • Staff's willingness to help with anything
What other participants should know
  • How spead out the different housing options were
  • Lack of diversity in class options
Lyndsey
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time in Madrid, Spain

This was my first time visiting Europe and studying abroad, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. I went with other people from my school, which made the experience feel less daunting because we were all together. This is a great opportunity for students hoping to study abroad. I learned so many new things and tried many different foods, way different from what I was used to, but overall, every experience allowed me to grow as an individual. Exploring the different neighborhoods and learning about their histories was extremely insightful, especially when comparing Spain’s history with America’s and identifying parallels. I also had the opportunity to practice my Spanish and was met with patience and understanding by many of the natives there. I truly enjoyed my time and hope to go back to Europe soon to learn more.

Pros
  • Many different means of transportation
  • City is fairly easy to navigate
What other participants should know
  • Not super diverse
  • Small language barrier if you don't understand and Spanish
Julia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CEA CAPA Barcelona Review

I had an amazing time getting to know the staff and exploring the city. They truly care about your experience and do everything to provide unique opportunities to grow as a person and a student. The class content was applicable to the city around you and very interesting. The location of the CEA CAPA center was extremely convenient for transportation and in the heart of the city so it was easy to explore before, after, and in between classes. I felt supported the whole time and learned so much about different cultures.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take every opportunity to make new friends and travels!
Pros
  • Barcelona is a cultural hub
  • Bustling city
  • Walkable
What other participants should know
  • Price
  • locals disliking tourists
  • noise Curfew
Gabriella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Time Abroad

My time abroad with CEA CAPA was amazing. The staff was really helpful when the heating broke in our apartment. It was a complicated issue, but they fixed it as fast as they could. Other than that, the location and everything were amazing. Studying abroad can be scary, especially when you are alone, but CEA CAPA was very helpful, and they can help with anything, even if you just want to talk to someone or practice your Spanish. Going abroad will be the best experience of your life. This might be your only chance to go abroad and travel without the responsibilities of having a job or family.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The first month, I was alone and had to make friends. I didn't expect a lot of people to come with their friend groups, but don't be discouraged; there are still a lot of people who came alone and want to make friends as well. The good thing is that everyone wants to make friends, so if you meet someone and you don't click, don't worry; you will find someone else. You don't need to find a whole group; just one person is enough.
Cameron
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CEA CAPA Study Abroad in Florence

My study abroad experience was unlike any other. Studying abroad was truly an amazing experience and I am very happy that I made the decision to study in Florence, particularly with CEA CAPA! The onsite team at the CEA CAPA Study Abroad Center in Florence were kind, caring, warm, and supportive, as they helped me navigate being in a brand new, unfamiliar environment, while slowly getting to know my way around the city center. They were very easy to approach and helpful whenever I had questions, ranging from academics and program trips/activities, to emotional self-care outlets for my own well-being when I initially felt unsettled.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
One of the most surprising yet rewarding things I did in Florence was climb the Duomo! While it was a challenging journey walking up the steps to the top, seeing and admiring the panoramic views of Florence was so worth it.
Pros
  • The onsite staff in how welcoming and supportive they were throughout the program!
  • The onsite staff offered some very fun trips to places in Italy which I went on. By going on these trips, cities that I got to visit through these trips were Arezzo, Padua, and Venice.
What other participants should know
  • My housing assignment was not the best/ideal. The apartment I lived in with my roommate was very old and we experienced lots of maintenance issues throughout the semester, which was really frustrating.
Jillian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

STUDY ABROAD IN ROME!!!!!!!

Studying abroad in Rome was truly the best experience. For starts, the food was unlike anything I had had before, and I am an Italian who constantly has good food at home. I loved how the city was very walkable and the walk was never boring. The architecture was absolutely breath taking. Every single Church I walked into took my breath away. Shopping on Via Del Corso was a weekly activity for my friends and I. On the weekends I usually travelled out of Rome's FCO airport which was always cheap and convenient. There was an 8 euro bus that picked my friends and I up right outside our apartment and straight to the airport. The weather was also impeccable! Altogether, you can not go wrong with wherever you study abroad but I without a doubt recommend Rome.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would say be organized with your 4 year plan of classes you are taking, because you may have to take free electives if your school does not accept some of the classes as cores or major requirements. Studying abroad is what you make of it so make sure that you are doing what you want to do rather than just doing what others are doing. It is important that you get your rest when you can! Try all the local restaurants and don't be afraid to engage with the locals. Most of them will love talking to you!
Pros
  • THE FOOD!!!!
  • How walkable everything is
  • It is a pretty inexpensive cite and there is so much to see and do!
What other participants should know
  • not the best public transportation systems
Jaydin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Social Cognition in Barcelona, Spain

This experience was very unique to me considering it was my first time EVER going abroad! Studying social cognition and learning about the significance of higher-level cognition function and how it allows us to connect to humans and allows us to feel relatability to inanimate objects (like art and architecture) made my experience so much more magical. This heightened awareness I felt made my appreciation for the culture so much deeper. This was such a beautiful experience that I got experience.

Adeline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible 5 weeks in Granada, Spain

CEA CAPA hosted a UCSD Global Seminar in Granada, Spain as a shortened 5-week program. This incredible city in the heart of Spain became my home away from home in just over a month. The sites and history of Granada was unbeatable, and one of my favorite memories was eating ice cream with my friends at one of the viewpoints in the old part of the city - the Albaicin - overlooking the Alhambra. This tourist-attracting part of the city is just one of the countless incredible places to visit, including my favorite which was the Cathedral. The night life in Granada was incredible, and I had the opportunity to go out and explore the city in the cooler evenings, and even have fun at the local bars and clubs. I always felt safe, even on the nights I returned home later, however I do suggest sticking with your group! Granada is honestly perfect for any demographic; the only thing I would say is that large groups probably wouldn't fit into a lot of the quaint little restaurants that line the streets of this adorable city. The connection of my studies to the history of this city could not have tied in together better - Granada is filled with so much history and I will always cherish the time I spent walking around reading signs in front of the old buildings, churches, monuments, and other historically connected sites. If you are considering this trip to Granada, you must go for it. It is the most perfect study abroad city because of its walkability, history, and even its shopping scene (I bought WAY more than I could ever needed).

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I was really nervous about going to Ladies Night on a Wednesday night at Mae West (one of the local clubs). But my friends convinced me to go and I met the most incredible people from all over the world! From Boston to Canada to France, these people were from everywhere! I overcame it thanks to my incredible friends who were so supportive and encouraging. I never would have met these people if I put myself out there!
Pros
  • Walkability
  • Nature
  • History
What other participants should know
  • HOT (I went in the summer)
  • Not much room in most restaurants for large groups
  • Sometimes too much walking
Megan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience abroad with CEA CAPA was the BEST!

I went to Seville, Spain. CEA CAPA made this experience even better than I could have ever imagined. I learned so much about the culture and how to live somewhere outside of my comfort zone. I would do this trip a million times over. Having people there to help me adapt to a new environment, while allowing me the freedom to explore and indulge myself in a new living environment, was the best decision I could have ever made for myself. I have brought home not only souvenirs and new knowledge, but also so many memories.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers on this program would be to enjoy every ounce of expereince you are able to. Going abroad can be scary, and having people there to make the acclimation portion of traveling 10000x easier is so important in my opinion. Truly indulge yourself in everything, if it is outside of your comfort zone, it could be the best thing you've ever done, or the best food you've ever tried, or the hardest you've laughed in a while.
Pros
  • helpful with adaptability
  • freedom to travel
  • fun, interactive classes