Program Reviews

Studying abroad in Florence was one of the most transformative experiences of my life—not just because of the city’s beauty, but because of how it challenged and expanded me. It wasn’t all gelato and sunsets (though those were amazing); it was about learning how to slow down, how to sit with discomfort, and how to fully engage with another culture. I found community in unlikely places—talking to locals at cafés, getting to know my professors beyond the classroom, and especially through the lifelong friendships I formed. I learned to cook with ingredients I couldn’t pronounce at first, navigated frustrating language barriers, and started to see myself more clearly through a new cultural lens. Florence taught me not only art and history, but also how to live with more curiosity, patience, and intention. If you're looking for a study abroad experience that will challenge you emotionally, intellectually, and personally—in the best way—Florence will meet you where you are and change you.

CEA offers a ton of great support and activities for all students to enjoy. Arriving they make the transition from the U.S. to Italy so easy. All of the staff and teachers are so nice and helpful. I really enjoyed the extracurricular activities they offered - I joined the CEA CAPA soccer team which was a blast. Additionally, there were great dinners offered periodically that were included within the program which allowed me to meet new people! I also really enjoyed the ability to go on trips with CEA - There was a great trip to Pisa which was awesome!

I loved my study abroad with CEA CAPA, but the highlight was definitely my internship. I was set up with a local artist, which aligned perfectly with my interests and future career path. My work was mostly remote and very flexible between travel and classes. I also felt really supported by the internship staff there. Everyone was welcoming and super helpful whenever I had any concerns or problems. I will say that because they work with smaller companies, there's a smaller pool of the types of internships you can do, so something to keep in mind. But, overall, I would definitely recommend the experience!

My experience with CEA was more I could have ever dreamed of. The staff were so welcoming and supportive from the moment they picked me up from the airport. The professors were engaging and classes were fascinating. CEA offered so much else besides the classes as well. I loved participating in volunteering to help teach Italian kids english while I was abroad, as I felt like this really an amazing way to immerse with the local culture. CEA did an amazing job of making a nerve wracking experience less scary!

I studied abroad during Spring 2024, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Hungarian is challenging, but they made it really easy to understand their culture. They were patient and open to any requests. They were friendly yet professional, and I felt safe the entire time!
On the other hand, if you are Latino, keep in mind that Hungarians tend to be a bit cold. I'm not saying they are mean, but try to find other Latinos because there is a big difference in how we treat each other and how Hungarians interact.

Studying abroad through CEA CAPA out in Florence last Fall was literally the best time of my life. Every day, I wish I could be back there ready to start my first day of the semester again. The program immerses you fully into the city. Our apartment was in the city, out campus was next to the Duomo, and the city itself was so welcoming to Study Abroad students. If you're on the fence, take the chance. Go for it. The study abroad experience is something I will never, ever forget, and I'm so grateful I chose to do it.

My time studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was truly unforgettable and one of the best experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I felt supported by the CEA CAPA staff, who made the transition to living in a new country feel so easy and exciting. The program provided the perfect balance of academics, cultural immersion, and travel opportunities. Most importantly, CEA CAPA gave me the chance to grow personally and academically. I left Barcelona with new friends from all over the world, a deeper appreciation for Spanish and Catalan culture, and memories I’ll never forget.

I really enjoyed my semester abroad in Prague with CEA CAPA. I was a very important time for me and my overall college experience. I honestly fell in love with Prague. I was interested in its history, loved its varied and unique architecture, and enjoyed getting to know its people. I loved how the classes that I took with CEA CAPA helped me to experience Prague through educated and unique ways that added to my overall experience. Learning about the city’s history while actually living in it made my understanding so much deeper.
Prague’s history is everywhere! There are medieval towers, communist-era buildings, and modern cafes on almost every street. I took classes that studied the history of everything from the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the Velvet Revolution, I also took an architecture class that taught me even more about the culture during those times and then, right after class, I’d go out and see the places we’d just talked about. Visiting historical sites and museums, or even just riding the tram through different neighborhoods, gave me a sense of connection to the city’s past that I’ve never felt in a classroom back home.
Beyond the academics, I loved how easy it was to feel at home in Prague. It’s big enough that there’s always something to do, but small enough that it begins to feel familiar after just a few weeks. The public transportation is amazing, I was surprised how quickly I could figure it out. Within a week, I felt comfortable traveling around the city on my own, which made everything from grocery shopping to weekend adventures feel fun and sufficient.
The people were welcoming too. Most locals were kind and patient, even if there was a bit of a language barrier at times. And the CEA CAPA staff were fantastic. They were always available to help, whether it was with class questions, travel tips, or just adjusting to life abroad. The events and trips they organized really helped me get to know the city and bond with other students in the program.
If I had to pick one thing I wish had been clearer, it would be the structure of the partnership between CEA CAPA and the local university, AAU. I was confused at the beginning about how the two schools worked together and how this would affect my scheduling and grading. It didn’t ruin the experience by any means, but having that information upfront would’ve made the start of the semester a bit smoother.
All in all, I can’t recommend studying abroad in Prague with CEA CAPA more. The city is beautiful, historical, and easy to love. I learned so much and came away with memories I’ll have for the rest of my life.

I studied abroad with CEA CAPA to Madrid my junior year spring semester. They really did make everything super easy, from housing to getting my visa. My housing was excellent, an apartment in the middle of the city. I do think I got lucky with my apartment though, as some of my friends were in apartments a little farther out of the city center. I took one CEA class and three classes at Nebrija University. I enjoyed the CEA class I took, it was sports and culture. The professor was great. The staff was also all very responsive and helpful. Of course, Madrid as a city itself is amazing, and I am so glad I chose it to be my "home base" for study abroad.

I had the most amazing time going abroad through CEA! I would recommend it to everyone.I had super fun and involved classes, got to live in a beautiful apartment with my best friends, and travel to cities and towns all around me. I would say the best thing about barcelona was the easy access and cheap flights to other countries and places. The food was also AMAZING, I ate 5 star meals for under 25 euros every night!! Overall i had a great time and I would recommend CEA as a program as they were so helpful and supportive of my time there.