I chose CEA because they offered a great curriculum for me to complete my General Education courses and my Spanish minor abroad in Seville, Spain. Also, I loved the housing options, excursions, and fun activities included in the program.

Cal Poly Study Abroad provided me with information in choosing a specific program and showing me the next steps that followed with applying for a specific program.

I'm glad I chose CEA because they helped me out a lot with the pre-departure process such as getting a visa, packing list, safety training, etc. I barely had to organize anything on my own because CEA offered a ton of assistance and guidance throughout the whole process.

What position do you hold at CEA? What has been your career path so far?

I have been in the business for 12 years, working previously for another study abroad organization as resident director and faculty member. I made professional development exchanges with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Penn State University and University of Texas at Austin conducting academic research and projects. At CEA, I am responsible for the coordination of the placements for the International Service Learning, and am dedicated to internship development, consolidating agreements with Sevillian companies to provide internships in different areas.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Professionalism and humanity. The role the staff and faculty members play in the curriculum development of the CEA students is crucial, not only in terms of academic factors, which help students grow professionally, but also in terms of affective values which make them feel comfortable and confident to make the most of their study abroad experiences. The students will always have their time abroad in their hearts, and CEA should contribute by having a part in this reality. Students will always link their unforgettable time with the help and support of the CEA staff and faculty.

What's the best story you've heard from a return student?

There are several really amazing stories to tell. Some of them are related to the professional development of the students once they continue on in their lives after their study abroad experiences. I remember a student who came back to Seville after graduating—she and I have been in contact since she left. She is a positive and energetic young woman whose main objective in life is teaching English. When she was in Seville, she was not sure about dedicating her life to teaching but, thanks to her study abroad experience, she realized that it was her dream.

What's your favorite traveling experience?

My favorite traveling experience took place two years ago when visiting a few friends in the U.S. I spent a month traveling through different states enjoying the pure and inner traditions small and big places offer. I experienced the values from the north, south, east and west of the country. I have a friend in New York and she showed me the local culture through the eyes of a New Yorker, taking me to non-touristy places. After a couple of weeks I took a flight to Los Angeles where my friend Charlie was waiting for me. There, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the Californian culture and experience situations that I had never imagined, such as attending a live TV show.