CEA CAPA Education Abroad Reviews

As someone who had never been to Europe, or as far away from as traveling to Florence, Italy would be, I had no idea what to expect stepping off the plane in the Florence airport. This program made my time abroad transformative. I was able to advance in my degree and take classes that were connected to my major, while also take courses that strayed away from my degree, allowing me a broadened educational expierence. Through classes, excursions, tours, and events, CEA CAPA staff would make my expierence the best it could be.

Studying in Florence, Italy was the absolute best decision I’ve made in my life. I can’t express how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to study there with CEA CAPA. For one, I was so extremely blessed to have AMAZING housing with the greatest landlord and even better roommates. CEA CAPA brought me new best friends and I can’t believe I went my whole life not knowing them until my study abroad. Additionally, the academics were great. I was taking classes I ACTUALLY enjoyed. AND they pertained to my major at my home university in the USA. My professors were all amazing and so personable, and the support staff was even better. The amount of activities and excursions planned by CEA CAPA was incredible. It allowed my friends and I to see more of our beautiful country and really indulge ourselves into the Italian culture. If you are debating on going, just do it! I went alone, not knowing anyone studying in my city, and I ended up meeting and making friendships that will last a lifetime.

I absolutely loved my experience with CEA CAPA and my study abroad program in London, England! I was able to not only study with professors from all over the world, but got to also have an internship doing accounting at the W Hotel in the heart of London. CEA CAPA offered many opportunities for me and my peers to be immersed in the English culture with day trips to places all around England and free opportunities to tour London staples such as seeing Wicked on the West End and touring Kensington Palace. I would highly recommend CEA CAPA to anyone who is interested in studying abroad!

I was very nervous to study abroad but it was perhaps the best decision I made. Upon arrival, the onsite team made me feel secure and supported. They showed us the city, ate with us, and gave us so many opportunities to meet other students. Another thing I love about CEA CAPA is that they offer various activities throughout the month with the onsite team for free. I participated in activities like yoga, ceramics, day trips (and even a weekend trip) that helped me explore areas that maybe were difficult to get to on my own or activities that I wouldn’t have included in my budget or maybe even things that I just wasn’t as confident to do on my own. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore your host city, try out different activities, and make friends and that was all due to CEA CAPA and how they structure the program.

Hi! My name is Lizzy, and I got to experience a semester abroad in Sevilla with CEA CAPA, and it was the best decision ever. From the first day, CEA made sure all of the students got involved with one another with a bunch of activities that were so much fun. We also had some excursions to other cities that were included in the studying abroad price, and I loved that. They also had so many different options for housing that made me and my friends feel just like home.

I would definitely recommend this experience.

I completed a customized internship with Barcelona SAE this summer, and it was truly the best experience I could've asked for. The application process was smooth and easy, and the staff was so friendly and supportive from start to finish. They made the transition to living and working in Barcelona so seamless.

For my internship placement, it allowed me to have real, hands-on experience in a professional environment, which was both challenging and rewarding. I learned so much and felt like I was truly part of the team. For example, week one of my internship, I was already contributing to the team and presenting ideas which allowed me to use my skills and practice it in real time at my internship.

My housing was amazing I always felt safe, comfortable, and not to mention in a great location. This aspect of my study abroad experience is so special because I was able to meet lifelong friends through the program, which made the whole experience even more perfect.

Also one of the best parts through Barcelona SAE specifically, was how many activities were included. BSAE provided cultural events, day trips, and fun outings made it easy to explore the city and connect with others, especially locals!

Overall if your ever thinking about studying abroad in Barcelona, I 100% recommend Barcelona SAE as I had such an amazing experience and you will too if you go through them!

I had an amazing time studying abroad in Rome. I felt a strong sense of community right from the beginning due to program-led events and the orientation. I was thrilled to meet students from across the United States, all eager to explore Rome and try new things. I learned a lot through my classes, and both of my professors were very understanding and helpful with any questions I had. I thought the school-life balance was really good, where we had a lot of classes during the day but relatively little homework, which allowed me to travel the country on the weekends.

Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, but I wasn’t sure it would ever be financially possible—until I found the Barcelona SAE HBCU scholarship program. Not only did they offer me the HBCU Todos scholarship and automatic grants, but they also allowed me to use my financial aid to cover the remaining costs. Because of that support, I was able to study in Barcelona at zero out-of-pocket cost. That alone was such a blessing.

As a Black woman, I was nervous about how I might be perceived abroad. While I did experience moments of being stared at, for the most part, I felt safe—even walking alone at night. That sense of safety helped me enjoy and explore the city more freely and confidently.

To any students considering this program, especially those planning to take Elementary Spanish while abroad: take some time beforehand to study the basics—like conjugations, common verbs, colors, food, and clothing vocabulary. The entire course is taught in Spanish, and that was a challenge for me at first. But even through the hard moments, the Barcelona SAE staff and mentors truly had my back. They were always available, encouraging, and ready to help whenever I needed anything.

This program changed my life, opened my eyes to new cultures, and gave me the confidence to push through difficulties and grow. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity and recommend it to any HBCU student dreaming of going abroad.

Studying abroad in Florence was one of the most transformative experiences of my life—not just because of the city’s beauty, but because of how it challenged and expanded me. It wasn’t all gelato and sunsets (though those were amazing); it was about learning how to slow down, how to sit with discomfort, and how to fully engage with another culture. I found community in unlikely places—talking to locals at cafés, getting to know my professors beyond the classroom, and especially through the lifelong friendships I formed. I learned to cook with ingredients I couldn’t pronounce at first, navigated frustrating language barriers, and started to see myself more clearly through a new cultural lens. Florence taught me not only art and history, but also how to live with more curiosity, patience, and intention. If you're looking for a study abroad experience that will challenge you emotionally, intellectually, and personally—in the best way—Florence will meet you where you are and change you.

CEA offers a ton of great support and activities for all students to enjoy. Arriving they make the transition from the U.S. to Italy so easy. All of the staff and teachers are so nice and helpful. I really enjoyed the extracurricular activities they offered - I joined the CEA CAPA soccer team which was a blast. Additionally, there were great dinners offered periodically that were included within the program which allowed me to meet new people! I also really enjoyed the ability to go on trips with CEA - There was a great trip to Pisa which was awesome!