CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was the best decision ever. I went into the program with many students I knew from my home university; however, none were my close friends. The relationships I developed abroad will always remain a part of my life, and the experiences I had are impossible to replicate. Barcelona has the most incredible people, food, and culture, and it was truly the best second home I could have imagined. I learned more about their local culture through celebrations, festivals, and holidays. I also had the opportunity to learn some Spanish through one of my courses. I would do anything to go back!

Study abroad is intimidating. Settling into a new and foreign country by yourself seems scary. However, I my experience in Aix-en-Provence was unforgettably amazing. My program I went with, CEA CAPA, also paved a smooth way for my transition into Aix-en-Provence, organized my housing and classes which worked out great, and offered a volunteer opportunity to teach english that also had a great influence during my time abroad. I absolutely loved the city I lived in, the walks to and from my apartment that brightened by day, the bakeries and boutiques all within the city, the greenery and fresh produce and flowers in the markets, and the performers that would fill the streets with music. It left me with such a beautiful impression that I would never get tired of. Everyone I met was kind and helpful and complimented my french. I always felt safe, even walking alone at night. Transportation was also very easy, accessible and affordable which was helpful when I needed to go to the train station or airport or just a bus ride from the store to my apartment. Leaving at the end of the semester was harder than I thought it was going to be, but I am thankful that it was because it showed how meaningful and life changing that experience was and continues to be in my life.

Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, offering a new cultural perspective while fostering personal growth. The opportunity to study in a different country enriched my academic experience, and I gained valuable life skills like independence, adaptability, and global awareness.

Beyond the classroom, traveling to nearby cities and connecting with students from around the world created lasting memories and friendships. If you’re considering studying abroad, do it—you won’t regret it! It’s an experience that will shape you for life.

During my time in Rome, I lived 100 lives and met so many amazing people. The CEA staff was immediately so welcoming and supportive to our program and made us feel right at home. I lived with six girls from Syracuse University, as well as one Italian roommate who was local to the area. I really think having an Italian roommate gave me such a unique experience and helped me explore the culture even more. She took us out to dinners at local restaurants, helped me navigate the new language and city, and even showed me how to make traditional Italian tiramisu. I also got to take classes with students from all over the country, some of which I am still best friends with. CEA provided us with so many resources, challenging academics, and immersive activities to give us a well-rounded, unique experience.

I went abroad to Costa Rica during the Summer 2 term that CEA CAPA offers. I was abroad for 5 weeks and it was the best experience in my life. I loved the people I met, both through the program and outside of it, and the location I was in. I was in San José, the center of the country, so traveling to other parts of the country was extremely easy because they were all a maximum of 4 hours away. There is so much to explore, with every part off the country being so different from the others. I truly enjoyed it so much, and would definitely return.