CEA CAPA Education Abroad Reviews

I had such an amazing time in Florence! Something I really appreciated about the CEA program was having Fridays off from class because it allowed us to travel to new places in the most affordable ways. Without these, traveling would've been much more difficult and I wouldn't have had the same experience abroad. I also really enjoyed how the classes would take us one excursions based on what we were learning. The art history class I took brought me to many new churches and areas I never would have explored or even known about on my own, and it was like going with our own personal tour guide.

When I signed up for this study abroad experience, I didn’t know anyone else in the program and wasn’t sure what to expect. I was nervous, but more excited to spend four weeks in a place I had never been. I arrived in Rome alone and almost immediately got into an unofficial taxi, where I was scammed. The flat fee from the airport to Rome is 50 euros, but I paid 80. However, I wasn’t mad. These things happen, and I was so excited to be in Rome that it didn’t matter. When I reached my assigned address, a member of the CEA CAPA staff was waiting outside to meet me, which immediately put me at ease. They were friendly and told me everything I needed to know about the area and the apartment.
My roommates and I instantly got along, and we explored the city whenever we had free time. The more I explored and learned about Rome, the more I loved it. Our group chat is still active two months after the study abroad ended.
My favorite things about Rome were the food, the people, and the history. The food was consistently amazing and affordable! I tried all kinds of pasta (far better than what we eat in America). Gelato was my favorite dessert, and I made a point to try as many different places as possible. My classmates were all really nice, and we consistently did things together outside of class. The Roman people, for the most part, were very friendly and welcoming. Lastly, the history was fascinating. I took Latin for four years in high school, so I already had an interest in the Roman Empire. Seeing the sights for the first time was nothing short of mind-blowing.
Through the program, we had a class trip to Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri. The trip was the most action-packed 36 hours of my life. It started with a train ride to Naples. When we arrived, we immediately boarded a bus and drove 45 minutes to Pompeii. Pompeii was my favorite historical site I've ever seen. It’s an entire city preserved for two thousand years, with colorful frescoes still visible in the villas and on the streets. After Pompeii, we got back on the bus and drove to Sorrento, arriving in the late afternoon. Sorrento is a beautiful town on the coast of Italy, where we had a nice dinner and did some shopping. The next morning, we took a ferry to Capri, where we hired a boat to take us around the island and see the incredible rock formations. After walking around Capri and getting lunch, we got on another ferry to Naples, where we boarded a train back to Rome.
CEA CAPA did an excellent job of planning this trip, along with multiple other activities around Rome. If it weren’t for CEA CAPA, I wouldn’t have gone on this trip, but I’m so happy I did. Throughout the whole program, the staff was extremely helpful and friendly. I can’t recommend studying abroad with CEA CAPA enough.

This was my first time traveling within Europe, and I am glad I did it through CEA Capa. The academic aspect of the program was very manageable, so I was able to have fun and explore while receiving a good quality education. There were a lot of activities offered through CEA Capa that were covered by the program fees, and I never regretted attending the ones that I did. The housing I was provided was also very spacious, and even while living in a triple, I felt like I had enough personal space. The staff is very accommodating, so whatever issues I have faced were solved immediately! Overall, my experience was exceptional, and I am already planning the possibility of studying abroad again.

I truly enjoyed my time in Valparaiso. My main goals for the program were to improve my Spanish and learn about Chilean culture. My Spanish improved immensely and I learned much about Chile and Latin America. Chile may not be the go-to study-abroad location, but it should be. In the south, there is Patagonia, which has penguins, volcanos, and glaciers. In the north, the Atacama desert is the driest in the world, and the landscape is beautiful. The Chilean people are also so friendly and welcoming that they make the time abroad ten times better.

Studying abroad in Sevilla was an unforgettable chapter in my life, filled with rich experiences that I’ll cherish forever. From the moment I arrived in this vibrant Spanish city, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality, which set the tone for my entire stay.

Welcoming Local Culture

One of the standout aspects of my time in Sevilla was the friendliness of the local people. Sevilla is renowned for its welcoming and warm-hearted residents, and I found this to be true in every interaction I had. Whether I was navigating the bustling streets or engaging in conversations with locals, I was consistently met with smiles, helpful advice, and genuine curiosity about my life as an international student. This sense of community made Sevilla feel like a second home and greatly enhanced my overall experience.

Culinary Delights

The food in Sevilla was nothing short of extraordinary. From the first bite of tapas to the delightful pastries and hearty paella, every meal was a culinary adventure. The city’s food culture is deeply ingrained in its lifestyle, and I found myself exploring a variety of local dishes at charming restaurants and bustling markets. Each meal was an opportunity to savor the rich flavors of Spanish cuisine, and the abundance of fresh ingredients made every dish memorable.

Sunny Weather

The weather in Sevilla was another highlight of my stay. The city boasts a warm Mediterranean climate, with sunshine being a constant companion throughout my time there. The sunny weather provided the perfect backdrop for exploring the city’s historic landmarks, relaxing in beautiful parks, and enjoying leisurely strolls along the Guadalquivir River. The consistent sunshine not only brightened my days but also made outdoor activities and sightseeing even more enjoyable.

Travel Opportunities and Affordability

Sevilla’s strategic location and affordability were significant advantages of studying abroad there. The city’s well-connected transport network made it easy to travel both within Spain and across Europe. Weekend trips to nearby cities like Granada and Córdoba, as well as adventures in other European destinations, were a breeze. Moreover, the cost of living in Sevilla was relatively affordable compared to other major European cities, allowing me to make the most of my time abroad without stretching my budget.

A Loving Host Home

One of the most heartwarming aspects of my experience was my host home. I was fortunate to stay with a wonderful host mom who made me feel cherished and cared for. Her warmth and hospitality extended beyond providing meals; she was a source of support and comfort throughout my stay. Our conversations, shared meals, and her genuine interest in my well-being created a familial bond that made my time in Sevilla feel even more special.

Conclusion

My study abroad experience in Sevilla was a perfect blend of cultural immersion, personal growth, and unforgettable moments. The city’s friendly locals, incredible food, sunny weather, travel opportunities, and the love from my host family all contributed to a transformative journey. Sevilla not only offered an enriching educational experience but also a chance to create lasting memories and connections. I am incredibly grateful for the time I spent in this enchanting city and the experiences that have left a lasting impression on my life.

I loved travelling to Aix, especially with CEA CAPA. I was excited to stay in a homestay and that experience could not have been any more perfect for me. Beside that, the classes were entertaining and helped me to explore the area and surrounding cities. The CEA CAPA team on-site was so helpful each step of the way with any homesickness, questions about currency exchange, and getting a phone plan. They took us to other cities and provided tours and amazing food along the way. I would definitely recommend this location and team to anyone asking

I spent 4 months in spring of 2024 studying abroad in Prague! While abroad, the classes I took both with CEA and my Prague university, were incredibly engaging and interesting. The classes are the right amount of difficult, so you won't be spending endless long nights studying, but still feel like you are learning new information. The staff was so sweet and always available to help whenever you needed anything. The various trips CEA provided during the program were some of my favorite parts of my study abroad experience. The city is full of incredible architecture and history. The public transportation can be confusing at first, but is easy to learn quickly. Studying abroad I was able to gain a new sense of independence. I cooked meals for myself every week, and I made a budget for groceries, activities, and trips.

During the Spring of 2024, I spent a semester abroad in Seville, Spain, where I completed my Spanish minor and an internship focused on Marketing Analytics. During the semester, I was housed in an apartment with four other women. I had talked to two of the women I was going to live with prior, however I didn't know the other two. This housing experience was absolutely amazing and we all supported each other during this experience. What truly made my experience so special were the people. I made friends that I will truly have forever!

I studied abroad this past summer in Prague through CEA CAPA, and I can whole-heartedly share that it was the best 8 weeks of my life!! Being able to grow my academic, professional, and personal development during my time abroad taught me lessons that will stick with me for the rest of my life. I took two courses through CEA CAPA and my home university (UMich), and I was still able to travel to over 10 different European cities. If you are thinking about studying abroad, CEA CAPA's program in Prague is outstanding!

My internship experience in Seville, Spain was an amazing experience and was a great fit for me! Aside from Seville being an amazing city as a whole, our internship coordinator at CEA CAPA did an amazing job finding great internship fits based on our majors. I worked in an immigration law firm and got to witness everyday tasks in a law office as well as compare it with what it is like back in the United States. Additionally, I got to use my Spanish a ton with clients and coworkers in the office during my internship!