CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic

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!

Living in Prague for 8 weeks was a lifetime experience. I didn't think I was going to be able to afford the program but with financial aid and scholarships. There I set a specific budget for everyday things, touristy things, and travel money. I learned to cook for myself every day and would go to the corner store about twice a week. The lady after 6 weeks finally warmed up a little. It was very affordable, only about 20 dollars per week for food. And since I took care of my expenses so much I was able to add a last-minute travel plan to Croatia, which made it all worth it.

I studied abroad in Prague my sophomore year of college. I really enjoyed my time abroad and the support given by CEA. The housing was in a great location near city center and you could navigate the city well with public transport. The courses taught were engaging and connected well to class excursions. We took trips to museums, markets, other cities within the Czech Republic and more. The teachers and staff were understanding and always willing to help. The most difficult aspect was the language barrier, most people speak some English in Prague but once you leave the city most don't.

I went to Prague as part of a study abroad program with CEA CAPA. The professors and CEA CAPA staff were all incredibly supportive. The city is extremely safe, even at night. I got to live with 5 other college students who were a part of the program, and many of the other students in the program lived in the same building as well. Prague is a city with rich history and a vibrant night life. Getting to class is easy with the tram system. As part of the program, there were excursions built in at no additional cost. I was able to go to the Czesky Krumlov as part of the program, which has the second largest castle in the world (1st is in Prague). I would recommend this city and program to all because of its accessibility, safety, fun, and affordability.

I had such an incredible experience in Prague. I had the best experience of my life. I learned so much both in the classroom and outside of it. The teachers I had at CEA CAPA are the best teachers I have ever had. One professor was even a diplomat and taught us all so much. The CEA CAPA staff helped me and supported me through adjustment and challenges, and the community of friends I found abroad traveled with me and laughed with me over the semester we spent away from home. Prague really became a second home. Having other students in the building we lived was so much fun. By living in student housing in the middle of a residential area I truly feel that I got the best of both worlds. I found my favorite local cafes and bakeries by the time I left and I still dream about them now! I can't wait to go back one day.

Initially I was drawn to study abroad in Prague because I was interested in the architecture, the location, and its safety rating. I didn't know much about CEA CAPA when I decided on the program but I am so glad I did. The housing was awesome and the staff was so supportive and engaged whether it be in the classroom, on program trips, with healthcare assistance, and with help exploring your own interests in the city. The classes were so engaging and helped me to better connect with the city as a whole.

CEA's study abroad program in Prague was unique to me for 3 main reasons. Firstly, the program offered a variety of courses which worked for many different majors/ interesting, but they were all extremely culturally relevant to Prague. In my architecture class, for example, we went on fields trips every day, learning about styles and periods through the buildings around us, and the history of the city. I took a class on Franz Kafka, a Czech surrealist author, and the class was able to walk around and identify places Kafka lived, worked at, and wrote at. To be learning about a city that you are in, that you can see and imagine, was extremely valuable to me. Secondly, the program location allowed me to study abroad on a budget. Because Prague is a relatively cheaper city than other programs in Europe, studying there allowed me to engage in the community and with friends. I was able to socialize, go to restaurants, museums, and travel, without going over my budget. Thirdly, Prague offers a nonwestern culture that I had never experienced before. Going abroad, I wanted to immerse myself into a culture and language that was unfamiliar to me. Prague was the perfect location for this; I learned a lot about central/eastern European lifestyles!

Since I've only been on one study abroad experience, I cannot speak on other providers or compare them to CEA CAPA. That said, it is hard to imagine that a provider can be any better than CEA CAPA was for me. From the very beginning, advisors were in touch with me regularly and always made themselves available for any questions or problems I had. I remember being on multiple Zoom calls about getting my visa, and I was pretty much walked through the whole extensive process. The entire team was quick to respond and super knowledgeable about what my next steps were. Once I had arrived in Prague, this standard of care continued - I was picked up promptly at the airport and taken to where I would be living to meet my roommates. Over the next couple of days, the CEA CAPA Prague staff explained everything about how the program would work and helped us get situated to living in the city, whether it was telling us the local chains to eat at or where to get public transportation passes. The CEA CAPA learning center was an exceptional resource. I didn't need to make use of any of the services they provided, but they made it very clear what was available and how to get help if needed. The classes taught at the center were also exceptional. I only took one there, but between my roommates and friends in the program, I heard about every class being taught, and there was nothing to criticize about any one of them.
I didn't know anyone going into the program, but I came out with friendships that will last a lifetime. We had so many crazy fun experiences (mixed in with some learning here and there), and I would not trade my semester in Prague for the world. If you're considering studying abroad with an affiliate, I cannot recommend CEA CAPA enough, and I can also strongly recommend Prague!