CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Alicante, Spain

While deciding on where to study abroad, I knew I wanted to be in Spain and be close to the ocean. After researching cities, Alicante seemed to be the perfect place, and it absolutely was. It was a smaller city with everything in walking distance. CEA made my study abroad experience so smooth and easy. With their detailed pre-departure list, reminders, and deadlines, preparing to leave was not as stressful as I thought it would be. I decided to live in an apartment, and I was matched with a roommate who is now one of my best friends. Our apartment was older and could have used some love, but it was perfectly and conveniently located- only a couple blocks walk from El Barrio (restaurants and bars), the beach, and the train station for class. While on site, our CEA specialists became our family away from home. They cared about us students as if we were their own children, and they encouraged us to travel, take part in local activities, and immerse ourself in the culture. CEA had amazing activities planned for us such as an overnight trip to Granada, wine tasting, hikes, cooking classes, and a day trip to the island of Tabarca. When I got a small stomach bug, the on site CEA employee Adriana came to the doctor with me and checked in on me every day until I was feeling better. At the end of the program, CEA offered internship and ambassador programs to continue our involvement with CEA, studying abroad, and the international community even when we came back to America.

I knew that I wanted a small city where i could emerge myself in the culture. I was able to do that In Alicante. All the excursions planned by CEA were perfect. I learned so much. My favorite excursion was a weekend trip to Granada. It was amazing. I was able to learn so much about Spain while living there. I love every day, it was a new adventure and it felt like a dream.

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Alicante overall was an impulsive experience. The opportunities were countless and the people were overwhelmingly engaging. A great example of this was the Alicante Talk Show. In a spur of randomoscity, we were asked while simply eating lunch if a friend and I would like to be part of a talk show there on campus. We were both incredibly hesitant, being only average Spanish speakers, but impulsively decided to see what lied behind door number one and go for it! We then absolutely failed... but in the process made some incredible friends and stirred up at least a little amusement for any listeners that may have been tuned in. The incredible adventures in Alicante truly are around every corner, and if you aren't standing where you are and seeing what your eyes are looking at, you're going to miss climbing castles (literally), getting free food for being tall, discovering how poorly you can dance with domestic students, or seeing the most incredible sunrise on a pier that was definitely not made for tourists. These is not a place for just any adventurer, it's one for you.

I am so happy I decided to study in Alicante with CEA. I liked that the size of the program was small, and we all got to know each other. I met five of my best friends in my CEA program, and I don't think that would have happened if I did not choose this small program. Though things weren't always perfect, like sickness and issues with out apartment, CEA staff was always there to help when something went wrong. Our two on-site advisors, Adriana and Alvaro, were always so helpful. Adriana became a good friend and kind of our mother figure while being abroad. There were so many programs to choose from, and I am definitely glad I chose this one. I do not think I would have gained everything I did out of my experience if I chose another program

I studied abroad in Alicante, Spain for the Spring of 2019, and I have been more than impressed with the program. They are always offering a helping hand for ANYTHING we need. From the first step of arriving to the Alicante airport where I was greeted by my CEA Advisor to the city tour and so much more, I recommend this company to anyone looking to study abroad. They are SUPER organized, which always makes you feel more secure. Alicante has a WIDE variety of classes to take (especially in the Business school). Overall, I would recommend Alicante for 1. because its the most beautiful place on earth. and 2. because the program here is so supportive and fun! We have a lot of excursions to places in Spain and even excursions in the city like a tapas workshop!

Before my time abroad I had not spent much time away from home. I attend university relatively close to my hometown and this experience was the first time I feel like I genuinely was able to stand on my own. Beautiful Alicante gave me the perfect balance of work and fun, with its easygoing, slow paced lifestyle and great nightlife(from chill and cozy live music bars to full sized clubs open until 6 AM, there's something for everyone) , and the location was perfect for travel within Spain and throughout Europe. The activities organized by CEA taught me a lot about the local culture and bonded me with my group. I experienced a few challenges during my time there, but I was lucky enough to have prompt and helpful support staff that was just a message away. All in all, I am incredibly grateful for this experience and think everyone could benefit from it.

My experience abroad has been great so far. I have travelled a lot and experienced/learned many new things. I also feel that I have adapted very well to the Spanish life style. I traveled a lot around Spain and learned a lot about the people and culture. I am having a wonderful time and really enjoying my experience. Alicante is a wonderful city. It is small and is more of an authentic experience than a large city with many tourists. The people are very friendly and will help you with your Spanish. They really like to see students try and practice. Within the program there were fun activities planned to show you around the area. The only thing I wish were different were certain ways in which the program management handles issues and interactions with the students. The process for resolving issues involving the program, especially the housing, was not always very clear and at times chaotic. While initially smooth, many easily solvable issues were often ignored or solved far slower than they should have. In certain instances, students issues were not taken seriously and accompanied by instances of unprofessional - borderline condescending- interactions. Other than that Alicante is a great city for you to immerse yourself into Spanish culture and lifestyle.

Living and studying in Alicante, Spain was nothing short of the best four months of my life. The people are beyond friendly and the city thrives on the tourist season as summer approaches. Beautiful sites of the ocean, castles, and architecture are everywhere you go. The city is large enough that there is plenty to do but small enough that you start to recognize familiar faces around and bump into friends around the city. Alicante was the perfect mix of culture of compassionate and energetic people, making this place feel like a home in no time.

It's very interesting and exciting!

It has been really great!

It’s very interesting and exciting!

Lots of freedom to explore the town.

The most influential and cultural experience of my life.

Beste experience ever.

Coolest thing I've ever done!

It has been really great!