CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Program Reviews

Vera
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Program

Best month of my life, genuinely such a good support staff, activities and different voyages. I'd do it again a million times. The different structures of day trips and activities kept me looking forward to different activities while still giving us the freedom to go and explore on our own. The classes and teachers are amazing, and you can get moved up every week which really opens up the opportunities to meet new people outside of CEA which was so fun. Especially since the classes are only in the morning, we spent the afternoons going to different towns and taking advamtange of Antibes.

What was your funniest moment?
We went inter-tubing in the open ocean on one of our free days and went flying 5 meters in the air!
Pros
  • Strong education
  • Fun
  • Good staff
Cons
  • No AC (normal though)
Allison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Traveling with Friends

My experience with CEA CAPA Abroad was amazing both professionally and personally. Though their internship program, I was placed with Constellation Consulting in Madrid, where I gained hands on experience in research and professional communication in an internship setting. Throughout my time abroad, I developed real world skills that I could never have learned in a classroom. I worked on market analysis projects, collaborated with teams, and strengthened my ability to adapt quickly in a fast paced professional environment.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I were to go again I would do more research about where to travel to save money and to find the best places to travel.
Pros
  • The people
  • The professors
  • The amount I learned
Cons
  • No air conditioning
Cyrus
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fall Barcelona abroad experience

Studying abroad in Barcelona was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. I went into it thinking it would just be a semester of classes in a different country, but it turned into so much more than that. Barcelona has this energy that’s hard to describe unless you’ve lived it — it’s relaxed, vibrant, social, and beautiful all at the same time. From the architecture to the beaches to the late-night dinners that somehow don’t even start until 9:30 p.m., everything felt different in the best way possible.

One of the highlights of my time there was playing in the CEA CAPA soccer league. Soccer has always been a huge part of my identity, so being able to compete while abroad made the experience feel even more complete. Our team ended up winning the league, which made it that much sweeter. There’s something special about competing in another country — different styles of play, different environments — and still coming out on top. Winning with that group felt like we were building our own little community within a completely new place. It was competitive, fun, and something I’ll always remember.

Outside of Barcelona itself, the side trips made the semester unforgettable. Oktoberfest was wild in the best way — thousands of people from all over the world packed into massive tents in traditional outfits, singing and celebrating together. It felt like a cultural experience mixed with pure chaos. Morocco was completely different — stepping into the markets, hearing the call to prayer, riding camels in the desert — it felt like I had jumped into another world. Switzerland was unreal with its mountains and lakes; it looked like something out of a postcard. Stockholm gave me a whole new perspective on Scandinavian culture — clean, calm, and super modern. And Ibiza? That was just pure energy. Crystal-clear water during the day and some of the most fun nights I’ve ever had. Each trip felt like its own chapter, and the fact that I could hop on a short flight and experience completely different cultures within hours still blows my mind.

But what really made Barcelona special was the culture itself. Everything is slower in a way that I actually learned to love. People prioritize relationships, meals last for hours, and there’s no constant rush like back home. Afternoons feel long and golden, especially walking around neighborhoods near Sagrada Família or along the beach. Even simple things like grabbing coffee or sitting in a plaza felt meaningful. I loved how social everything was — friends meeting late, spontaneous plans, long conversations. It taught me to slow down and actually enjoy where I am instead of always thinking about what’s next.

Studying abroad in Barcelona wasn’t just about traveling or soccer — it changed my perspective. It made me more independent, more adaptable, and more appreciative of different ways of living. It pushed me out of my comfort zone while giving me some of the best memories of my life. Looking back, it really was amazing — not just because of where I went, but because of who I became while I was there.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Take in every moment and do not take anything for granted. When you're there, you don't realize how amazing and life-changing it is until you leave. Take advantage of literally everything because you may never experience them again.
Pros
  • exploring new places
  • getting better at spanish
  • making new connections
Cons
  • being away from friends and family
  • not having a routine
  • adjusting to different schedule
Rey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CEA CAPA - Queen Mary University

Studying at QMUL was an incredible experience for me! East London has such a vibrant culture; you're walking distance from so many amazing places to eat, shop, and go out, along with having two tube stops an under-10-minute walk in either direction. It was so lovely to live on campus there, and I made more friends than I can count-- both in my classes and just from exploring the city. It wasn't terribly difficult to keep up with my required coursework as an English major, and I was left with plenty of time to have my own adventures, like participating in a musical, going to museums, doing karaoke every week, and meeting as many new faces as I could.

What was your funniest moment?
Probably any night I spent out at a nearby pub for karaoke! One night, I watched as at least ten of my friends scrambled onstage together to perform Careless Whisper... it was terrible, but I will absolutely cherish the one (admittedly grainy) video I have of it.
Pros
  • Great professors
  • On-campus housing with plenty of space
  • Amazing nightlife
Cons
  • Expensive city
Victoria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience ever!

I loved my time abroad in Aix-en-Provence with CEA CAPA. The staff were incredibly welcoming and supportive, guiding us through every step of settling into a new country and making sure we had an enjoyable experience. They organized trips, cultural excursions, and fun events that helped us engage deeply with French culture and connect with other students. My professors were knowledgeable, approachable, and encouraging, making classes challenging yet engaging, and fostering creativity through projects like podcasts, street interviews, and newspaper design. Living in Aix, a vibrant city full of history and culture, allowed me to practice my language skills daily and fully immerse myself in local life. Throughout the semester, I gained valuable language skills, cultural understanding, professional growth, and lifelong friendships and memories that I will always treasure. This was a truly transformative program.

Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CEA CAPA Paris Abroad Experience

I was in Paris for a semester, and it was truly incredible! I was able to explore and learn about the city by myself and with friends, but CEA CAPA's program and classes made my experience even better. Every class incorporated excursions where we would be able to visit relevant sites, museums, stores, etc. I also was able to practice French and feel like a local in one of the most well-known cities in the world. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone considering a semester abroad—you will not regret it.

Pros
  • beautiful city/location with so so much history
  • incredible food
  • so many cool people to meet
Cons
  • time difference with many places in the USA
  • costly
Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

First time leaving the south

I was fortunate to get a scholarship through the University of Alabama and CEA CAPA so I essentially got to go abroad for free. I have never traveled outside of the south, let alone go without my family. CEA CAPA supported me throughout my journey and helped me connect with people along the way. I was able to visit 5 countries while abroad, with people I had only just met. It was a journey of a lifetime that I would love to return to. I got to live in the oldest part of our neighborhood, I was expected to be greeted with distaste, but I was accepted with open arms into the culture.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
When visiting Italy, I went with a girl I had known for a week! We started our journey by sleeping in the Rome airport, then being separated on buses and staying awake for 24+ hours. Later on we even got separated on a train, with no cell reception. luckily It all worked out and we were able to laugh it out. I was very stressful considering it was also my birthday.
Pros
  • gained problem solving skills
  • character development
  • its a funny story to tell now
Cons
  • It was really scary!
  • I got homesick
  • It was nerve racking to travel with new people.
Lucas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience, wouldn't recommend it more!

I had the best time ever studying abroad in Sydney through CEA CAPA, couldn't recommend it more! I lived with 7 other friends and traveled all around the country and surrounding countries and it was the most incredible time ever. The people are so amazing and the cultural experiences are incredible. I don't think I will have another opportunity to spend 3 months on this side of the world so I am so grateful for this opportunity and am so jealous of anyone that still has a chance to be able to go there because I had such a great time!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Going to Western Australia and camping along the coast was an unreal experience.
Pros
  • Great People
  • Super Active
  • Awesome Culture
Cons
  • Far
Teagan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience

CEA CAPA Florence was one of the best experiences of my life. The staff and people through the program were so friendly and tried to make my experience as fun and easy as possible. Florence was a beautiful city rich in culture with beautiful views and some many amazing places to visit. The way of life in Florence opened my eyes to slow down my way of life and to really start enjoying the little things. Overall, I would recommend CEA CAPA Florence to anyone interested in studying abroad that wants a smaller feel to an amazing city.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Everywhere in Florence there was "Wild Boar" pasta. I was at first intimidated by the name but it became my go to meal by the end of the trip.
Pros
  • Friendly staff
  • Interesting classes offered
  • Amazing culture
Cons
  • Far housing from city center (Beyo)
  • Late classes
Nareelanna
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Global Launch with CEA CAPA

Once I completed the program and looked back at all the memories I had, I couldn't help but feel a wave of gratitude for my first semester of college. CEA CAPA supported students in numerous ways, from having amazing and well-prepared professors who help keep the class engaged despite challenging concepts, constantly having team building events like curry nights, and constantly reiterating the support we had made me feel safe and comfortable to learn the ways of life in London while knowing I have all the resources I need.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I am in no way, shape, or form a hiker, but when my friends invited me to hike the Seven Sisters Cliffs, I couldn't say no. I surprised myself by pushing through the entire hike, 14 miles up and down those hills, but the scenery was so beautiful that all my tiredness was gone. It was one of my favorite memories, as I felt accomplished and found a new love for hiking. Studying abroad is the perfect way to try something new, as you already have the motivation and momentum you need. If I were home, I don't think I would have ever finished the hike.
Pros
  • Gain valuable hard and soft skills that you could use for the rest of your life.
  • Countless memories that you could look back on.
  • Gain new perspectives and outlooks of the world.
Cons
  • Studying Abroad could be really expensive.
  • Home sickness was a common struggle for a lot of students.
  • Having to be hyper aware of surroundings constantly due to high pickpocket rates.