CEA CAPA Education Abroad

CEA CAPA Education Abroad Reviews

Mary
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Studying and Interning in the Coolest City in the World

So I am a bit biased, I love history. Getting to study and intern in Prague, the center of so many cool and fascinating events throughout history, was phenomenal. The city was beautiful, with amazing stories around every bending corner. I meet amazing people, both in the program and in the city. Adding in my internship, which was a great blend of my academic and professional interests, meant that I got a wonderful and well-rounded experience throughout my time there. The city is also a wonderful center for travel. I got to visit a part of Europe I don't think I would have been able to otherwise. Overall, being able to study and work in Prague was a wonderful experience, and I recommend anyone who loves history and is extremely curious to go.

What was your funniest moment?
I have the weirdest luck when traveling. When I am where I want to be, I have the greatest experiences and meet the most interesting people. It's just getting there that gets weird. When I was flying home to Prague from a trip in Tallinn, my flight got delayed to be ridiculously late and I missed my connector through Warsaw. Ultimately, I spent the night in the airport. It is certainly an experience I recommend everyone do at least once, but good God was it cold. It was annoying at the time but funny to think about now.
Pros
  • Amazing public transport
  • Good, cheap food
  • Wonderful city to explore
What other participants should know
  • Maze of streets, definately know how to read a map before going
  • AC/Heating is temperamental in most buildings, most may not have AC
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Mary! Thanks for sharing your feedback about studying and interning abroad in Prague. I'm right there with you in that it's the coolest city and experiencing its history is unlike anywhere else. So glad you got the chance to explore!

Lyla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cultural Immersion in the Classroom

My study abroad program in Seville, Spain focused on Hospitality & Tourism.In one of my classes we partnered with a local hotel, Hotel Doña Maria, and performed market research for them which deepened my understanding of Seville's hospitality scene. I worked alongside the manager which allowed me to learn from an experienced industry professional ,immersed me in the culture, and improved practical skills. This experience was invaluable to my learning and I'm grateful to have had this opportunity

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
During my study abroad program I took many of the weekends to travel to other cities in Spain or other countries in Europe. Although I loved seeing new places, if I could do the program over again I would spend a couple more of those weekends in Seville. I absolutely loved Seville and got to explore it during the week which was lots of fun but if I could go back I would stay and attend weekend events in the city. Our teachers were always telling us about fun weekend events and I often wished I could attend them.
Pros
  • Meeting locals
  • The ability to travel affordably to so many countries
  • Trying new food and drinks
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Lyla! Your study abroad program in Seville sounds very invaluable. So happy you got to experience Spanish Hospitality & Tourism IRL. Thanks for sharing your feedback!

Kaylan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Kaylan's Review

As a first-generation student, my experience was nothing short of unique! Before studying abroad, I had never left the country. CEA Cappa gave me the chance to do so. My favorite memory while going abroad, was site seeing. I got to see so many historical sites in Italy. My favorite site I saw was the Colosseum. I had learned about the history of the Colosseum in school, so it was really cool to see it in person.

In the CEA center, I got the privilege of working with so many teachers that truly cared about us as students and people. Since the education system in Italy is different than America, I struggled educationally at the start of my abroad experience. However, the CEA center really helped me succeed!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment I encountered was understanding travel directions. I overcame this by reaching out to CEA staff, citizens, and google maps.
Pros
  • Discover who you are
  • Meet new people
  • See new things outside of your comfort zone
What other participants should know
  • Home sickness
  • Wifi issues
  • Sleep schedule
Zoe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Embarking on a study abroad journey is a challenge in itself, but participating in an internship abroad adds another layer of complexity. When I decided to join CEA CAPA's Study+Internship program in Seville, Spain, I was prepared to step out of my comfort zone and embrace an entirely new experience; however, no amount of preparation could fully brace me for my first day at work. Surrounded by people speaking a different language, understanding different cultural norms, and operating under a different work system, I felt extremely out of place.
During the first couple of weeks, doubts clouded my mind, questioning if this program was really the right fit for me. Assigned to assist teachers across six classes with students ranging from 4 to 16 years old, each with varying English proficiency levels, I found myself unsure about how to connect with them. Teaching English was uncharted territory for me, and while I desired to forge connections with the students, I lacked the know-how to do so. Gradually, I mustered the courage to step out of my shell and engage more actively with both teachers and students. I learned to celebrate small victories, setting daily goals to connect with specific students. With time, my confidence grew, and I leaned on my teacher mentors for guidance and constructive feedback. Some teachers even provided opportunities for me to push my boundaries by designing and leading educational games for the students. Though far from flawless, the practice of designing and leading lessons, assessing the effectiveness of each one proved extremely valuable.
While not every moment was filled with joy, the dedication invested in engaging and improving within the internship role will provide extreme benefits in the long run. I felt like I jumped off the deep end with this experience, but the unwavering support and encouragement from both teachers and the CEA CAPA staff enabled me to push beyond my comfort zone and achieve success.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking experiences for me abroad were the moments when I had to converse with locals in restaurants or public settings. Initiating dialogue in another language, especially when I wasn't entirely confident in my skills, proved quite stressful. Despite the initial unease, however, I made a conscious effort to engage in small talk or share prepared comments with these new people. Over time, I saw a gradual improvement in my ability to communicate.
To my surprise, the people I interacted with were incredibly understanding and supportive of my efforts to learn Spanish. Some even attempted to bridge the language gap by mixing in a bit of Spanglish, drawing from their own knowledge of English. With consistent practice, I began to feel more confident speaking with strangers, and I grew comfortable enough to ask for clarification if needed. While it wasn't always smooth sailing, I can confidently say that I made significant progress in navigating these conversations, which I consider a testament to my personal growth during my time abroad.
Pros
  • Cultural immersion and adaptation
  • Professional development
  • Social connection and mentorship
What other participants should know
  • Initial challenges and discomfort
  • Language barrier
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Zoe! I'm so glad you got the chance to step out of your comfort zone, celebrate small victories, and find support while engaging and improving both professionally and personally while studying abroad in Spain! Thanks for sharing!

Sevag
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Getting lost in Florence

Studying abroad in Florence was an unforgettable experience. The staff at CEA CAPA made my educational experience enjoyable while providing opportunities to learn things I wouldn't have been able to back home in the U.S. Florence as a city was a perfect size for me as I was able to memorize my way around the city in just a few weeks. There is so much history and culture to experience every day. I still stay in contact with some professors and use every chance I get to talk about how amazing my experience was to all my friends. 10/10 experience. Of all the cities I traveled to in Italy and Europe nothing was able to compare to the charm of Firenze!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The Lampredotto sandwich at the Mercato Centrale. This cow stomach dish was sooooo good. I miss it everyday.
Pros
  • Fun classes and staff
  • Food and Culture of the City
  • Friends I made from other schools
What other participants should know
  • Wasn't long enough
  • N/A
  • N/A
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Sevag! So glad you found the charm Firenze offers. Thanks for sharing your feedback!

Taylor
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sevilla best place to be!

This city is full of great people and food. Very easy to get around and the weather is amazing year round. Would live her if I could. There also was so many activities that were planned in Sevilla. We went on me many excursions and the beach also isn’t to far either. Sevilla had something for everyone which made it easy to get around and find things for everyone to do. I highly recommend watching flamanco dancing and going to a tapas tour. Overall such an amazing place and definitely recommend visiting.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Octopus
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Taylor! So happy you found great people and food while navigating Seville. Thanks for sharing your feedback!

Hanna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Time in Madrid!

Spending a semester abroad in Madrid was one of the best decisions I ever made! The housing that CEA CAPA provided was just a few stops away from the center of Madrid -- it was super safe, easily accessible, and close to other students. There were a number of events within the first week with CEA program leaders to help familiarize us with the city and other students in the program, which was a nice way to ease into an unfamiliar environment. Orientation helped acquaint us with norms of the culture that are different from what we experience on a daily basis in the States. Even after orientation, program leaders were available to help out with anything (housing issues, questions about classes, etc). Throughout the semester, CEA organized a couple of day trips (and even 1 weekend trip) that was covered by the program costs. The school was an hour commute from where we lived, so ensuring that you planned out enough time to get to and from class (especially with public transportation) is important.

From the friendliness of locals, to the accessibility within the city (and outside the city), to the liveliness of Madrid, this was the perfect place to study abroad. I would 10/10 recommend going abroad to Madrid with CEA CAPA!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Travel as much as you can! While Madrid is amazing, you should take advantage of your proximity to other cities and countries that are nearby. Take an overnight bus to Lisbon, use the trains to see other towns of Spain, and book early morning flights to cool cities like Paris, Budapest, Rome (and so many more). Learning how to maximize your time abroad is super important, and I'm so glad I was able to see so much in a short span of 4 months.
Pros
  • Lively (but safe) city
  • Lots of study abroad students
  • Location of housing
What other participants should know
  • Commute to school
  • Difficulty to enroll in courses
  • Some apartment amenities
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Hanna! So glad your semester abroad in Madrid is one of your best decisions made. Love that you enjoyed the CEA CAPA excursions and found the city easy to navigate. Thanks for your feedback!

Cynthia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

You must choose BSAE if you are considering studying abroad in Barcelona!

I do not have enough positive things to say about the BSAE team and the experience I had as a student during the Spring 2024 semester. I took 3 classes at SIS (the School for International Studies) and an internship. The professors at SIS are extremely qualified and experienced in their field, and the classes are small and are enriched with different field studies and assignments. I am for sure going to miss my professors. The internship team is amazing, and they work hard to make sure students get the best experience possible.
I also lived in a homestay, and I loved it, I could not imagine my Barcelona experience without my host family. I feel like my host mom is my soulmate, we have so much in common! The amount of personalized support you get from BSAE is unmatched, I just can not imagine studying abroad with another provider that is not BSAE. If you are seeking a true barce-local experience, you MUST consider BSAE. The amount of support they provide to students such as the Barcelona Bucket list, the weekly newsletter, chances to meet staff members for coffee, and even small details such as providing snacks during midterms and finals, shows just how much they care for students. I am so glad I studied abroad with BSAE, I would not have done it any other way.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Embrace this experience! Try not to put too much pressure on yourself or the amount of things you should do and see, instead just try to savor every moment. Also, I encourage you to walk as much as you can so that you can get to know the lovely city of Barcelona!
Pros
  • The amazing staff and their support!!
  • the optional activities you can sign up to do!
Lilit
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

SAE Barcelona Rocks! My Epic Study Abroad Adventure

My experience with the SAE Barcelona study abroad program was nothing short of amazing. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm that set the tone for the entire journey.

The classes at SAE Barcelona were not only informative but also incredibly engaging. The professors were experts in their fields, and their passion for teaching was evident in every lecture. Whether we were diving into the intricacies of sound engineering or exploring the world of digital filmmaking, I always felt supported and encouraged to push myself to new heights.

As for my accommodation at Londres 35, it exceeded my expectations in every way. The apartment was cozy and well-equipped, providing a comfortable retreat after busy days of classes and exploration. Its central location made it easy to explore all that Barcelona has to offer, from its historic landmarks to its vibrant neighborhoods.

Speaking of Barcelona, what a city! There was never a shortage of things to see and do. From admiring Gaudí's masterpieces to indulging in delicious tapas at local eateries, every day brought new adventures and discoveries. And let's not forget about the people - the locals were friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home from the very beginning.

But perhaps the most memorable aspect of my experience was the sense of community fostered by SAE Barcelona. Whether it was collaborating on projects with classmates or attending events organized by the program, I formed bonds that will last a lifetime. It's incredible how a shared passion for creativity can bring people together from all corners of the globe.

I would say that I really came away with not only new skills and knowledge but also cherished memories and lifelong friendships. If you're considering studying abroad, I can't recommend SAE Barcelona highly enough. It's an experience you won't soon forget.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I were to go back, there are a few things I would do differently. First, I would make a conscious effort to connect more with the locals. While I met some incredible people through the program, I realize now that forming relationships with those who call Barcelona home would have enriched my experience even further.

Additionally, I would definitely spend more time soaking in the beauty of Barcelona, especially during sunset. There's something magical about watching the city come alive with golden hues, and I regret not taking advantage of those moments more often.

Lastly, I would make it a priority to explore more of what Barcelona has to offer. While I tried to see as much as I could during my time there, there's always more to discover in this vibrant city. From hidden gems tucked away in its winding streets to iconic landmarks begging to be explored, I would seize every opportunity to immerse myself in the culture and energy of Barcelona.
Lina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CEA CAPA Granada, Spain

My study abroad experience was beyond amazing. I learned so much about myself and grew so much. I had the chance to meet so many people and create wonderful memories. I feel grateful to have had a great support system from CEA CAPA while I was abroad. The city of Granada was also wonderful and the people were so kind. I loved the culture so much and I cannot wait to be back! Living with a host family allowed me to immerse myself in the culture as well. My host family made my experience so much better!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I could do this all over again, I would go for a year instead of a semester.
Pros
  • I improved my Spanish
  • I met so many people and created amazing friendships
  • I had a great support system with the CEA CAPA staff
What other participants should know
  • It was a bit hard to adjust to having 2 hour long classes
  • Stores were closed on Sunday, which was hard to get used to at first
  • Getting used to the eating schedule was a struggle at first
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Lina! Thanks for sharing your amazing feedback about personal growth you discovered while studying abroad in Granada. I'm glad your experience with your host family was so helpful.