Program Reviews

So lucky to have this experience in my first year of college! I’m not the biggest traveler, and so it was cool being able to adjust to change so quickly but with so much support. Thanks to the program, my first semester almost never had a dull day— I was academically and socially stimulated, I also got so many steps in without even feeling it, there simply was so much to do and so many things we were encouraged to do. I only wish there were more opportunities to connect with other schools that were undergoing similar programs, as I did see them sometimes around but never had enough time to connect and share out experiences!

Barcelona is the most perfect city for a study abroad student. As a bustling, cosmopolitan city, there is a variety of things to partake in so there was never a dull moment during my study abroad experience! Even as a large, international city, it is walkable and sunny, creating a warm environment where you can feel the outdoor-focused, relaxed rhythm. Meanwhile, CEA CAPA classes provide different types of excursions depending on the course. For instance, my classmates and I were able to partake in a flamenco class where we learned the fundamentals of the dance alongside its history and origins. They also provide daytrips close to Barcelona and a weekend trip to Madrid!

I had the most fun this past summer in Prague. I lived in Prague 2, which was a bit outside the main city center, but I really enjoyed it because it allowed me to see a different side of the city and interact more with locals. Public transportation was easy to use, so I was able to explore a large part of the city. The school where we had class was conveniently located near the city as well. Prague is also one of the safest cities I have ever been in. I would recommend everyone to go to Prague I learned so much about art and history and I loved to see it in real life.

Before I went on study abroad in Barcelona I was scared that I wouldn’t make any friends, or that I wouldn’t be able to navigate the country without knowing Spanish, but I was so wrong. Choosing Barcelona was the best decision I made. Barcelona is the best of both worlds, it has a good beach and great nightlife. Additionally, in Spain most people speak English, so language barrier was not an issue for me. When i chose a place to study abroad, another big thing for me was how easy it would be to travel to neighboring locations. From Barcelona, I realized you could easily go to many different places like Morocco, France, Germany, Madrid, Ibiza and many more in just a short 1-3 hour ride or flight. I ended up going to Ibiza which was just a 1 hour flight away, and it was the best experience of my life, which I never would have done if it weren’t for this study abroad program, the people I met, and the overall location. The food in Spain was also amazing and never disappointed, and there were many historical and artistic landmarks to see across the city as well which I loved.

As for CEA CAPA, they greeted us immediately upon welcome and made us feel at home. They took us to our apartments and gave us a little tour of our place as we waited for our other roommates to arrive. Making friends was easy with roommates and classes together in the CEA CAPA building, knowing that you are studying or even going on the included excursions with other study abroad students. As soon as they all arrived we went to get dinner together and immediately became so excited for the month to come. The next day was an orientation and we met even more friends and explored the city. If you are scared to study abroad, don’t be. Take that jump it will be so worth it in the end.

I truly could not have enough good things to say about my experience with the CEA CAPA study abroad program. This semester was, without exaggeration, the best semester of my life. I learned, grew, and experienced more than I ever imagined possible, and I can confidently say that I gained far more from this experience than I ever could have at my home university. From the very beginning, CEA CAPA made the transition to living and studying abroad feel seamless. The staff were incredibly supportive, approachable, and genuinely invested in our success and well-being. Whether it was academic advising, housing support, or navigating life in a new city, I always felt like there was someone I could turn to. That sense of support made it much easier to step outside my comfort zone and fully embrace the experience. Academically, the program exceeded my expectations. The courses were engaging, thoughtfully designed, and deeply connected to the culture and environment around us. Rather than learning solely from textbooks, I was able to connect classroom concepts to real-world experiences, which made the material feel more meaningful and memorable. The professors were knowledgeable, passionate, and encouraged discussion, critical thinking, and reflection. I walked away not just with credits, but with a new perspective on learning itself. Beyond academics, CEA CAPA truly excels at fostering cultural immersion. Through organized excursions, activities, and free days built into the schedule, I was able to explore the city and surrounding areas in ways I never would have on my own. Whether it was attending cultural events, visiting historic sites, or simply navigating daily life in a new country, every experience helped me feel more connected to the local culture. I especially appreciated how accessible travel was being based in such a well connected city made it easy to explore other regions and countries, which further enriched my experience. Perhaps the most impactful part of this semester was the personal growth I experienced. Living abroad pushed me to become more independent, adaptable, and confident. I learned how to navigate unfamiliar situations, communicate across cultural differences, and build meaningful relationships with people from all over the world. These are skills that will stay with me long after this semester ends.

Seville was the best city I could have ever studied abroad in, and CEA CAPA was a huge part of why the experience was so positive. The program ensured everything would be handled for us before departure. Arriving in Seville, I met fellow students, and we took an airport shuttle (provided by CEA CAPA) to our assigned housing. Seville is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited, and I am so grateful to have spent a semester there. It is incredibly traditional and historic, steeped in southern Spanish culture. We experienced many culture shocks as American students, but the program made sure we would be prepared for them and not take them negatively. Instead, we accepted them as part of the experience.

This study abroad program was a truly life-changing experience for both myself and my peers. As someone who is deeply interested in fashion, art, and culture, Paris felt like the perfect place to learn and grow. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this city offered so much more than academic oppurtunity. Paris is a global hub for creativity, and being able to experience it firsthand was incredibly inspiring. Fashion, in particular, was woven into everyday life.

Whether it was seeing iconic designs in museums, learning about the history of major fashion houses, or simply observing street style, I gained a deeper understanding of how fashion functions as culture and self-expression. Being surrounded by such a strong appreciation for design and craftsmanship pushed me to think differently about my own creative interests.

Art and history were everywhere. Visiting museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, walking past historic architecture, and exploring different neighborhoods helped bring our studies to life. Even simple moments, like sitting in a café or walking along the Seine, felt so meaningful. One of the most impactful parts of the program was the personal growth that came with living abroad. Navigating a new city, adjusting to cultural differences, and becoming more independent challenged me in the best way possible. These experiences helped me gain confidence, adaptability, and a greater sense of self. I also loved sharing this journey with my peers. The program also broadened my perspective on global culture. Interacting with people from different backgrounds and seeing how life is lived outside of the U.S. helped me develop a deeper appreciation for different ways of thinking and creating. It reminded me how important it is to stay open-minded and curious, especially as someone interested in creative industries. Studying abroad in Paris was an unforgettable experience that exceeded my expectations. It strengthened my passion for fashion, art, and culture while helping me grow personally and creatively. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to step outside their comfort zone, gain a global perspective, and experience a city that truly inspires creativity.

I really enjoyed my time in Costa Rica. It opened my eyes to an entire new culture and way of living and really made me branch out.

Living with a host family was the best decision I could have made. I built a relationship in this little amount of time that will last forever. Talking to locals and living with one gave me an experience that I would not have gotten otherwise.

I felt like the people there made me feel very included and I was not looked at weird for looking different and not speaking spanish that well.

My fall semester in Prague was amazing. CEA staff were so friendly, helpful, and supportive it made the transition to living in a new environment so much easier. Professors were knowledgable and interactive and made classes immersive within Prague. Prague as a city is one of a kind. The people, size, architecture, food, etc was like nothing I have ever experienced before. Pragues centrality made it easy to travel on some weekends while also having plenty to do within Prague. Overall my semester in Prague with CEA was spectacular and I would highly recommend.

My time with CEA in Florence was incredible. The support from staff was consistent and very helpful, the classes were full of culture and learning opportunities, and there were plenty of program activities to participate in. The only downside of the program was the housing. I was put in a rather small apartment for 7 girls, the kitchen was difficult to fit food and had limited space when cooking. I was also far away from the city center in my classes, at first it was a problem to me and I wasn't used to walking 30 minutes everyday. However, when I spent a few weeks establishing a routine I was able to be comfortable where I live and created relationships with locals around me. The only thing I'd change is my living situation, other than that I had a wonderful time.