CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Rome, Italy

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.

The program was great I met some very awesome people and while in Italy. They were a little slow to respond before I got to Italy and their website has some issues. However overall the program was excellent and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to see Italy because they give you enough freedom to explore it on your own, while still holding enough excursions to let you meet people. I got to try food I would never have tried, meet people who I would have never met, and see places I would have never seen. This trip broadened my horizons and helped introduce me to other cultures.

My study abroad experience was so unique because of the staff at CEA CAPA Rome because they were always extremely nice and open to speaking with me about my living experiences, travel plans, and the content I was learning inside the classroom. The professors and the classes they provide are very unique to the region which makes the class content more interesting as you learn ancient and modern history of the city you are living in for 4 months. In addition, one of my roommates was an Italian student who gave us recommendations, taught us Italian, and provided life long friendships.

My experience in Rome completely exceeded my expectations. Rome is such an unique and exciting city that I would absolutely visit again. There's something for everyone whether you're a history buff, foodie, or outdoor adventurer. I always felt safe walking around and knew that, if I didn't, the CEA CAPA staff would help me immediately. Travel in Italy or to other countries is also very easy from Rome because it's the center of Italy, hence the phrase all roads lead to Rome. CEA CAPA also provides so many fun events such as pasta making, yoga in a stunning park, and free workout classes on Monday. No matter what, you will have something fun and exciting to try. I could not recommend Rome more!

My experience abroad was unlike anything I had ever done before. I am so proud of myself for going abroad without knowing anyone and honestly with this, it made sure that I was doing things because I wanted to, not because my friends wanted to. I was able to solo travel and even just exploring Rome was so eye opening. From the tons of free churches, to cheap gelato and late night Trevi fountain runs, I would not have changed my experience for anything. I also loved eating all the food because everything was so fresh and CEA CAPA put on so many events that were nice to go on because they didn't break the bank and were cool experiences to meet other students. I had an amazing time there and can't wait to travel again soon.

CEA Capa was an amazing experience and I had a lot of fun. We got to travel to many places Such as Florence, Naples, and Pompeii. I got to meet new people and they have become some of my best friends. I remember this trip for a lifetime the classes I took were also informative but doable in the timeframe given. I recommend study abroad to all my friends I got a mercy in the culture and learned a ton My favorite food was the pizza and the pasta. There’s one place near my apartment called Old Bridge gelato. It was the best gelato there is my favorite flavor was strawberry and black cherry.

All and all had a great experience in Rome with the CEA Capa school. we learned so much and had the opportunity for so many great experiences. The staff here was very helpful and supportive throughout the whole program and were there to help with everything academically and other wise. CEA did a great job facilitating community from the welcome orientation to apartment setup and sponsored day trips. Overall I had a wonderful time and met so many amazing people and friends that I will continue to keep in contact with!

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!