I never planned on studying abroad. It just wasn’t something I thought was for me. But one of my professors kept bringing up the FYGO Sevilla program in class that she was part of the team that ran it and eventually I thought, why not? Maybe I should give life a chance and see what’s out there.

And no, I didn’t go abroad to “find myself.” I went because I felt stuck. Like I was living in between who I was and who I wanted to do. I chose Sevilla because it felt far enough to feel some type of cultural shock, but close enough to still feel familiar. I didn’t expect it to change me the way it did.

From the start, I noticed I was one of the only ethnic students in my program. It wasn’t super obvious, but it showed up in the way people bonded over how they been to Spain before with their family, or how I had to explain my family’s migration story like it was something exotic. I felt invisible sometimes and it was hard to make friends at first. But Sevilla held me anyway. The city felt like a place where i can be a whole new person and paint myself a new picture.

One of the best parts of my experience was my art and architecture class with Laura Tinajero. She’s a certified tour guide and a grad student in Women’s History, so she knew everything about Sevilla. She’d talk about women in leadership and call them “lady bosses,” which I loved. She made us feel comfortable asking questions and engaging and thats where I stared to feel myself adjusting to my new environment and to be proud. I still think about that class all the time.

I traveled solo a lot to near by touristic cities in Andalusia like Granada, Málaga, Tarifa, and Cádiz. I got lost more than once, google map sucks when you are in a maze like city. I would cried in my room because I missed my dog. But I also go out and dance with local college students from the University of Sevilla. I would shared stories over how much I dislike iberico ham with old ladies at the bus stop, and learned how to be alone without feeling lonely. Those moments taught me more than any textbook ever could.

A little fun fact: Morocco is a one hour boat ride from Spain so GO RIDE A CAMEL!! It was so fun SO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT

Studying abroad in Sevilla pushed me to stop relying on others so much. It was hard at first especially when most people already knew each other but I had to find the courage to do things solo.

CEA CAPA made this possible.

I always tell people anyone can study abroad. It’s not just for upperclassmen or students whose families take summer vacations and want an excuse to travel again. I want people in my community to know there’s support out there financial aid, resources, and especially the CEA CAPA scholarship program. I want to be that person who stands out and shows others that it’s okay to take up space, even when it feels unfamiliar.

If you’re thinking about studying abroad and you’re not sure you’ll fit in, go anyway!

Hi! My name is Lizzy, and I got to experience a semester abroad in Sevilla with CEA CAPA, and it was the best decision ever. From the first day, CEA made sure all of the students got involved with one another with a bunch of activities that were so much fun. We also had some excursions to other cities that were included in the studying abroad price, and I loved that. They also had so many different options for housing that made me and my friends feel just like home.

I would definitely recommend this experience.

I had the absolute best experience of my life in Sevilla with the CEA CAPA study abroad program. I lived in a Casa de Sevilla, where I got to live with other students in my program, while also having a host mom who cooked us amazing meals, did our laundry, and told us amazing stories in Spanish. I got to explore the beautiful city every day and got to learn so much about the unique culture. In my opinion, Sevilla is perfectly sized as there is plenty to do and explore, while also being totally walkable and manageable. I cannot say enough about how amazing the city is. CEA CAPA itself was the perfect program for me, and they were so supportive and helpful throughout the whole process. The staff on-site in Sevilla was amazing in helping me through my academics and finding other opportunities in Sevilla, like my volunteering at an English school. Overall, I would recommend this program a million times over to anyone looking to have a unique experience, learn more about themselves and a new culture, meet new people, and improve on their Spanish skills!

If you are even slightly considering studying abroad, GO STUDY ABROAD. Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made. This experience allowed me to immerse myself into a new culture, meet new people from all over the world, and learn about myself, which allowed me to come out of the experience with a new outlook on life. CEA CAPA made my entire study abroad process extremely easy by providing the proper steps, resources, and contacts for me to succeed. From the beginning, I was given a clear list of what I had to do on my end with due dates. The support did not stop once I arrived in Seville, Spain (my host city). I was supported the entire time and provided with all the information and resources I needed to be successful during my semester abroad in both academics and transitioning to a new country. I could not have been happier with my experience and choice to go with CEA CAPA!

I studied abroad in Sevilla fall of 2024 with CEA CAPA. I didn't know a whole lot about Sevilla but I grew to love this beautiful city and the culture. CEA CAPA staff was so helpful when we first arrived and provided so much assistance throughout our time there. I also enjoyed all of my classes and got the opportunity to take a Flamenco class which was one of my highlights of the experience! I had the best time exploring this city and going to other places around Spain and Europe. I would recommend this program to anyone that wants to stuudy abroad !

I spent the fall semester of 2024 abroad in Seville, Spain through CEA CAPA. I was very nervous that, as a triple-major, I would not be able to study abroad with a program that would give me enough credit to graduate on time. However, the CEA staff reached out to me personally and helped me discover that their programs have a lot of flexibility regarding class offerings. They were also very supportive both pre- and post-departure of my concerns that arose surrounding mental health support while abroad. I was able to learn so much about the host culture through the unique structure of their program that is so encouraging of immersion opportunities. The staff onsite were so kind and caring for me and my individual needs, and they helped me find friends that I have remained and will continue to keep in contact with for the rest of my life!

The housing through CEA CAPA is incredibly. Its spacious and close to campus. I HIGHLY recommend living with a host mom. My host mom and I are still in contact, she's now one of my best friends. Classes were moderate, not too difficult, but CEA had many resources to make sure that I succeeded in my class. My teacher, Prof. Cristina, was the kindest porfessor I have ever met. She made me fall in love with Spanish Literature and she planned really cool field trips! Overall, this program is wonderful for students who want to immerse themselves in the culture and experience what it's like to learn in a foreign country.

I loved my experience in the beautiful, authentic city of Sevilla, España! I stayed with an amazing Host family who became a second family to me. Through CEA CAPA, I had the opportunity to take part in many activities within the city such as Paella making, Flamenco dance classes, and watching a Flamenco show. Taking classes at both the CEA CAPA center and the University of Sevilla, provided an invaluable immersive experience to strengthen my Spanish skills. Take advantage of the 'intercambios' the CEA CAPA center provides to meet locals, as well as, attend cool events, such as a Betis futbol game. ¡Viva el Betis manque pierda! I would highly recommend studying abroad through the program to anyone who wants to discover a new part of themselves by learning and exploring the orange tree-lined streets of Sevilla!