CEA CAPA: Study Abroad in Rome

Studying abroad in Rome, Italy with CEA CAPA was truly the highlight of my college experience, and I recommend it to anyone even considering studying abroad. Rome is one of those cities that at first feels overwhelming—the history, the size, the pace—but it doesn’t take long before it starts to feel like home. I quickly fell into little routines, like grabbing my morning coffee from the same café where the barista began to remember me, or studying in the same sunny piazzas in the afternoons. Walking through the cobblestone streets on my way to class never lost its magic, and I grew to love the feeling of living among so much history while still being a college student exploring a new chapter of life.

The academics through CEA CAPA made the experience even more meaningful. My favorite course was International Marketing, where I was able to take what we learned in class and immediately see it play out around me in the city. Rome became a living classroom—I noticed the way global brands adapted to the Italian market, and I found myself constantly connecting lectures to real-life examples. The professors were approachable and supportive, and they encouraged us to get out and experience Rome firsthand. I felt challenged, but I also felt inspired because I was learning in such a unique environment.

What stands out most from my time abroad is the sense of community I found. I built close friendships with other students in the program who I know will be lifelong friends. At the same time, I felt welcomed by locals in small but meaningful ways—whether it was practicing Italian at the market, chatting with shop owners, or receiving tips from Romans about the best spots to eat. CEA CAPA also provided cultural excursions that gave me the chance to explore even deeper, like meeting artisans or discovering parts of the city and traditions I never would have found on my own. These experiences helped me feel less like a tourist and more like someone who belonged there.

I think what I always try to explain to people is that the most memorable parts of studying abroad weren’t just the famous landmarks—although seeing the Colosseum, the Vatican, and all of Rome’s iconic sites was incredible. What made the experience so special were the everyday moments: ordering a cappuccino in Italian, watching the sunset from the Tiber, or taking an evening walk with friends after dinner. Those little routines are what made Rome feel like a second home and what I miss the most now that I’m back.

For anyone who is unsure about whether to go abroad, I can confidently say it will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Rome is the perfect city to immerse yourself in history, culture, food, and language, all while growing personally and academically. CEA CAPA gives you the structure to feel supported but the freedom to make the experience your own. Studying abroad in Rome changed my life, and I would encourage anyone who has the chance to take it.