Program Reviews

My experience studying abroad in Seville was amazing, and I would choose it over and over again. Between the new friends I made, the classes I took, and all of the different cultures I got to be a part of and learn about, I seriously wouldn't change a thing. I was really nervous about going abroad for a whole semester, but the staff at my school were all extremely welcoming and my host dad was one of the kindest and most caring people I've ever met. Seville is a great destination to study abroad in because the city has so much history and culture to offer, but it's also very safe and easy to get around. Everyone there is very welcoming and loves to talk about their favorite parts of life in Seville, so meeting new people is so easy and such a great way to learn more about the city!

My study abroad experience with CEA CAPA in Barcelona was truly transformative. From the moment I arrived, I felt a sense of belonging in the local culture. I explored neighborhoods, dined at family-owned restaurants, attended cultural events like Carnival, and practiced my Spanish daily. Participating in CAPA’s Meet the Local program was more than just a way to connect with local students through fun activities such as bowling and laser tag. It was a gateway to forming friendships that extended beyond the organized events, making me feel like a part of the community.

CEA CAPA also offered Café Olé, a unique way to practice Spanish and meet new people in the program through games and social interactions. The AICAP activities, including a tapas-making class, a weekend trip to Valencia, a winery day trip, and attending an FC Barcelona game, offered me unique experiences that enriched my time in Barcelona and the surrounding region.
Additionally, I volunteered with a nonprofit organization that supports cancer patients and their families. I created handmade arts and crafts roses to deliver on the Catalan holiday of love, Clúster i Comunitat Sant Jordi. This was a significant way to give back to the community.

What made my experience truly exceptional was the support and care from the CAPA staff. During midterms and finals, the program organized thoughtful wellness activities, including 10-minute neck massages, yoga, sound therapy, and Pilates. The staff also provided academic support, helping us navigate the challenges of studying in a new environment. These small gestures and the overall support system demonstrated how much the staff genuinely cared about our well-being, helping me stay balanced and focused throughout the semester.

Overall, my time abroad was a journey of personal and cultural growth. Between exploring Barcelona, volunteering, participating in CAPA and AICAP activities, and benefiting from the incredible support of the staff, my study abroad experience was a testament to the potential for growth and discovery. It was a time filled with unforgettable memories that continue to inspire me.

I absolutely loved my experience in Dublin. The city is lively, full of things to do, and the people are incredibly kind. It’s very walkable, felt safe, and the excellent public transportation made commuting to work very simple and efficient. CEA CAPA matched me with an internship that gave me invaluable professional experiences, and I now feel much more prepared to apply to jobs and graduate school in the future. The Dublin staff were also wonderfully communicative and accommodating, which made both the pre-departure process and program start seamless. Beyond the professional side, I experienced significant personal growth. I now feel far more independent and confident in my ability to adapt to new environments. I cannot recommend this program highly enough!

CEA CAPA is the best thing I have ever done. I was originally hesitant about going abroad with an outside company, but the experience felt so right for me-- like fate. I lived with an incredible host family (whom I still keep in touch with), who helped me improve my Spanish, feel at home, and learn about Catalan culture. CEA offered so many incredible experiences for free, like an FC Barcelona game, which can cost hundreds of dollars. The program let me meet students from other universities, too, and I have plans to visit them! My host city was Barcelona, and it offers a rich culture, fun nightlife, and amazing food. By far the best program in my opinion. I would 100000% recommend going to anyone who is on the fence!

Growing up in a small city, I was always curious about what existed beyond the familiar. That curiosity, paired with my love for art and history, eventually led me to study abroad in France through CEA CAPA. From the start, I was drawn to the architecture, museums, and everyday artistic traditions that make France such a rich place to learn and live.

Academically, I studied Travel Narratives & Culture and French Cinema, courses that opened my eyes to new ways of thinking. Outside the classroom, my days were filled with coffee at local cafés, wandering through vibrant markets, townlife, French opera and symphony performances, and simply soaking in the charm of the city’s winding streets. These moments whether alone or with friends taught me to slow down and fully appreciate the present.

The benefits of studying abroad have been countless: greater courage, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for art, culture, and life itself. Most importantly, I returned with a clearer sense of who I am and the kind of future I want to create.

Of course, it wasn’t always easy. This was my first time traveling outside the U.S., and only my second time ever on a plane. The unfamiliar language, cultural differences, and initial feelings of loneliness were challenges that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Yet, those same challenges became the foundation of my growth. I learned adaptability, resilience, and a deeper trust in myself, discovering that true independence isn’t about being alone, but about embracing uncertainty with confidence. Additionally, the CEA CAPA team made the transition seamless, with staff who were always available to provide support and guidance with warmth.

Honestly, going to Paris was super fun. They had fun events, gave us good food and alcohol to try (Got to try Champagne in Champagne!), and the staff were all super nice. Giving a lot of recommendations. The organization of the trips was a little last-minute, but I had fun regardless. I think it was super cool that we ran into a REMS fair while there. I took classes there, and I can't say I retained much since it was rather easy. But since this is also an abroad experience, it makes sense and lets us have plenty of free time.

I appreciate the doors CEA CAPA opened and the community it offered! As my summer program in Barcelona was only 5 weeks, I was worried I wouldn’t have the opportunity to see as much of Barcelona, or Spain, as I wanted, but the CEA CAPA center planned a variety of activities and excursions in Barcelona and in other cities. The opportunity to go to numerous museums and historical sites in Barcelona paired with the chance to travel to Valencia, Girona, and other cities in Catalonia was an incredible opportunity I never would have gotten to experience with another program. Not only did it contribute to the academic aspect of study abroad but it allowed me to explore my interests with local tour guides and in local settings. Additionally, the hospitable and generous CEA CAPA staff made my study abroad experience incredibly comfortable and enriching. I was nervous going into this program as I had never utilized Spanish outside of a classroom setting, but the CEA CAPA staff immediately put me at ease and was always encouraging and accommodating with my use of Spanish. I enjoyed getting the opportunity to get to know the staff and their traditions and lifestyles through lunches, excursions, and time at the CEA CAPA center. These factors deeply contributed to the value of my program by deepening my immersion experience.

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy in Summer 2025 was the most unreal and unbelievable experience. I made so many lifelong friends, I go to try and eat delicious food, learn about the Italian culture and history, get to see with my own eyes and learn about the artwork, architecture, and sculptures, and travel the world with my best friends. I took a Renaissance Art History and if you love art, going to museums and cathedrals I would highly recommend that class. We spent majority of the time outside exploring the city of Florence visiting museums, churches, palaces and more. Florence is probably the most dense art city in the world and for me being able to see all this historical pieces and walk by beautiful architecture was unbelievable. My program was only 4 weeks long, and it went by so fast! I had the opportunity to travel to new cities and countries on the weekends with friends which was definitely one of the highlights!.

Studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain truly changed my life. It changed my outlook on life and has now allowed me to be more grateful, openminded, and accepting. I enjoyed immersing myself in the Spanish culture through their language, food, and education. Getting to walk everywhere, try new food, and meet people from all over Europe was so amazing. I was able to meet people through my university, by traveling, and simply by sitting by the river when I just wanted to be still for a moment. Studying in Seville, Spain was an experience that I will appreciate and remember for the rest of my life.

Overall, it was a very fun experience and I would have never thought Ireland would be a place I would want to go back to. Everything down to the internship, to the people I have met, and the overall experience was one of the greatest things to happen in my college career. Furthermore, this program helped me develop my personal and professional skills. CEA CAPA did a great job in helping us develop these skills. I recommend to anyone choosing a program to pick this one because how CEA CAPA made it so enjoyable.