CEA CAPA Education Abroad Reviews

It was such a great way to get ahead in my college career and have fun in another continent! I had so much fun meeting new people around different schools as well as locals in Spain. I also went to other cities and countries during the weekends which was so much fun. If you are hesitating to do it, I was too. But once you take that first step, it is very easy. The classes are fairly simple and easier than classes at college so we had opportunities to learn but also not have to stress too much about the school part.

CEA CAPA put together a stellar study abroad experience for me. My homestay family was extremely nice, and I loved our triweekly dinners together. Conversing with them in French was truly a joy. The coursework was also great! I got a lot of context for all of the current French political drama in my history course, and my Impressionism course inspired a new passion for the plastic arts that I hadn't had previously. Paris was the perfect place to see world-class art! Also, I met my girlfriend on this trip, lol!

This past summer I had the opportunity to combine academics and leisure by attending the Child & Cross-Cultural program in Dublin, Ireland. I had one of the best experiences of my life as I was able to immerse myself in the wonderful culture of Ireland by attending concerts, museums, Trinity college and famous landmarks which reflected that of the welcoming and friendly environment that I had always heard about. While doing that in the afternoons, during the day time I attend classes that benefitted my social science career by educating me with in-person activities and providing new & different perspectives of thought.

This summer I had the incredible chance to intern abroad in Prague with CEA CAPA, and it turned into one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

What made it so special were the people I met along the way. I’d run into people on walks through the parks or while traveling, and before long we’d be sitting down for dinner, talking about life, business, and everything in between. I even joined pick-up basketball games with locals, which became one of the best ways to connect outside of work.

I interned at Zentiva, a pharmaceutical company in Prague, where I got hands-on experience working in a corporate environment. The team was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and I learned so much about how business operates internationally. A fun bonus was the cafeteria in Zentiva’s headquarters – tasty meals at prices that can’t be beat.

Outside of work, I made the most of every weekend by traveling. I was able to explore Berlin, Vienna, London, Budapest, Milan, and so many more amazing places. Each city left me with new stories, perspectives, and friendships.

If there’s one thing I always tell people about my time abroad, it’s to try everything you can while you’re there. Say yes to the experiences, even the small ones, because once it’s over, those memories are what stay with you.

I loved my time abroad, it was the best 4 months of my life and I do not regret it for a second. Barcelona was amazing and I feel the best city to have as a home base. You are close tot he airport, the weather is warmer then the rest of Europe, and you have a beach and city at you disposal. I never ran out of things do or restaurants to try and having my classes in the city center helped me explore the city. There were slight problems with housing and communication with teachers when it came to expectations.

I honestly went into this experience with no expectations, with the fear that if I didn't meet said expectations, I would leave with a lot of regrets. But the beauty in that is I was game for anything. It also hurt me because I could have sought out more opportunities to discover new things, but ran out of time to do so. One weekend, I wanted to revisit La Fortuna, hoping to actually see the volcano, but I left my host mom's house without my wallet, so I couldn't board the bus. It worked out because it was a rainy weekend, so my desire to see the volcano probably would not have worked out, but I got to attend a Korean festival in the city and discover a new coffee shop that I enjoyed returning to.

As someone who enjoys being outside without being super outdoorsy, I loved Costa Rica. It was easy to find outdoor activities I enjoyed, like lying on a nice beach, walking around town for a couple of hours, or mild hikes that may have included ziplining. You do need to have some enjoyment of the outdoors, but there are plenty of ways to be outside comfortably.

Academically, the school was neat! They don't believe that exams are the best way to demonstrate students' knowledge, so there are very few exams, if any. They do make up for this in projects and presentations, but I found myself diving into the research since I got to choose what I wanted to learn instead of being assigned a topic. The professors also use this as an opportunity to further their learning, which made my work feel valued more. One thing I wish I had known about the classes was that they're primarily Americans with a handful of Germans taking classes. There are no national students taking the class with you or other international students. So there was a disconnect between the local students and the ones studying abroad, on top of the fact that the local students are studying artistic things, whereas the international students are studying language or science topics, so even less overlap.

My experience in Madrid with CEA CAPA was unforgettable. As a premed student I never thought it was possible to spend a semester abroad. Looking back I am so happy I made the room in my schedule to make it possible! CEA CAPA was so organized, attentive, and welcoming. Both before my trip and during the staff was so friendly and supportive. Every detail was planned and explained so well. I never felt alone or confused! Everyone should get the opportunity to have a life changing experience like this one.

I would highly recommend studying abroad in Florence, Italy, for many reasons. For me personally, I am not much of a city girl, and I felt a bit overwhelmed in places like Rome and Madrid, Spain, where everything was very spaced out and the city was very large. But in Florence I felt at home, a very walkable and cozy environment with lots of music, art, and great food on every corner. I miss it so much, I am already looking at when I can go back. CEA CAPA staff was amazing and so helpful through every step of the process. If I could redo my time there, I would!

I had always wanted to travel the world and experience what other cultures and nationalities had to offer. After studying abroad, I can say that it exceeded my expectations in every way possible. From the people I met in the program to the locals I met in every different country, I can confidently say that my entire perspective on life and the world has been changed forever. The support from the CEA CAPA staff made me feel very confident and safe when traversing Barcelona and when looking for pieces of advice. The staff were locals, and knew many good restaurants and things to do. It seemed like every single day I was doing something different that helped change my entire perspective on my day-to-day life. I was consistently meeting new people who shared the same ideals and goals as me, and connected with them like no other.

I studied abroad in Florence in the Spring of 2025, and I can confidently say it was the best decision of my life. The classes I took, the professors I met, the lifelong friends I made, and even the connections I made with the employees of our local pizzeria have made the most positive impact on me. Every moment of studying abroad was a learning experience in the best way possible. I was able to understand Italian culture, learn more about marketing, try the best new foods, and explore the city to the fullest. I 100% recommend studying with CEA CAPA, especially for the staff support and ability to get involved.