GoAbroad

Why choose CEA?

CEA CAPA, the collaborative venture between CEA Study Abroad and CAPA: The Global Education Network, stands as a beacon of academic excellence, integrity, and innovation in global education. United under the banner of CEA CAPA Education Abroad, the organization equips students with the skills to flourish in an interconnected and diverse world. This partnership allows for increased investments in programs, personnel, and the overarching mission, fostering an enriched portfolio and enhanced program quality. With a commitment to academic prowess evident in organization-wide learning objectives, co-curricular activities, and faculty development, CEA CAPA ensures a central focus on academics in every facet of the student experience abroad. Beyond academics, inclusivity is a cornerstone for CEA CAPA. A deep-seated belief in inclusive practices fuels an environment where all individuals feel valued and supported, fostering curiosity and innovation. The organization actively engages in continuous action, accountability, and transparency, inviting the CEA CAPA community to partake in this inclusive journey.

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CEA Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.5

Total Reviews

1,189
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Live Studying Abroad!

July 08, 2026by: Alexander Bidwell - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Rome, Italy

4

Class selection was good, particularly Art & Archaeology which I would consider a must. There's no city as good as Rome for learning about history given the plethora of ancient Roman sites and museums. Also, there was ample time for exploring Italy on my own.

AWSOMESAUCE

July 08, 2026by: Everardo Garcia Jr - Angola

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Rome, Italy

5

Studying abroad in Italy is an absolute dream come true, offering an incredible mix of world-class education, deep historical immersion, and unforgettable weekend travels. It is the perfect destination if you want to balance your academic goals with a vibrant, slow-paced lifestyle full of incredible food, art, and culture.

Most Amazing Time

July 08, 2026by: Alexandra Lombardi - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Rome, Italy

5

I had honestly the most fun ever here with my friends! I thoroughly enjoyed my classes, learning about the culture, exploring Italy and Europe! It was life changing and I would highly recommend to everyone!

So much fun!

July 08, 2026by: Elliot Snyder - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Rome, Italy

5

I had a really great time with my experience in Rome! I love my roommates and we’ve become really great friends. I’ve also had a great time exploring Rome and immersing myself in the culture while also being able to do weekend travel.

Endless Immersion

July 08, 2026by: Simon Hnin - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Rome, Italy

5

I felt like I lived in Rome for so long and got immersed to fast, it felt like I had lived here forever. This got me missing home, but that’s not a bad thing. I got enough non-academic days that it allowed me to explore other part of Italy and Europe too.

Barcelona SAE + Estudios Hispánicos was amazing!

April 30, 2026by: Maeve Lovell - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

4

I had a wonderful experience with Barcelona SAE! They have been a huge help in every step of my study abroad experience, from coordinating my housing, providing an academic mentor to turn to with any questions, their curated website full of resources and recommendations, and hosting various social events throughout the semester to connect with fellow students. They made my transition to and time in Barcelona so much easier. I also can’t recommend the UB track enough. I felt like it was the perfect balance between rigorous language instruction and accommodation for non-native speakers, and all the professors were so enthusiastic and responsive to any questions or confusion. I can confidently say that my Spanish skills grew this semester largely due to my classes at UB, so if you’re looking for a great opportunity to improve your language skills, I would highly recommend!

Exceeded my expectations!

April 26, 2026by: Ilana Mac Lennan - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

4

This program truly exceeded my expectations. From the program staff to the professors themselves, everyone is so excited about assisting us students and making our experience so special. My housing was amazing and other students felt the same, especially with the apartments and home stays.

Fantastic program for cultural immersion

April 26, 2026by: Akira Li - China

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

4

This program is for students who want to strike a balance between cultural immersion and familiarity. The program is very well organized with cultural activities and excursions every week to help students explore Barcelona and its surrounding areas with fellow students from the US. I especially enjoyed the “dinner with a local host family” event where I got to dine with a local family and learned more about Barcelona from the local perspective. Besides organizing these events, the program also sends out a weekly newsletter about what’s happening in Barcelona so students can explore on their own. The staff members are all very friendly and helpful; extremely responsive with any needs.

A Life Changing Experience in Barcelona

January 03, 2026by: Andrea Guzman - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

5

This study abroad program truly transformed my life. I fell in love with Barcelona almost immediately, and over time, the city became a place where I learned, grew, and discovered more about myself. By the end of the program, I realized I had become a more confident, independent, and open-minded person than when I first arrived. The experiences I had, both inside and outside the classroom, shaped the way I see the world and my future. I made unforgettable memories, built meaningful connections, and gained perspectives that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am incredibly grateful to this program for allowing me to experience Barcelona in such a meaningful way.

I absolutely loved it (I wish I could go back)

December 29, 2025by: Eliza Shields - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

4

Studying abroad in Barcelona was genuinely one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. From the start, BSAE made the semester unforgettable through incredible student activities like cooking, pottery, and flamenco classes and beautiful day trips to Montserrat, Girona, and more. Many of these experiences are now some of my favorite memories from abroad. SIS offered classes with a variety of topics that were especially interesting because of the field studies woven into the coursework. Being able to connect what we were learning directly to the city and its culture made everything feel more meaningful and engaging. I also made some of my best friends from my home university and from around the world through this program, and I’m incredibly grateful for the community and connections it gave me. Overall, the combination of academics, travel, and daily life in Barcelona made the semester both exciting and deeply impactful, and it’s an experience I would recommend to anyone considering studying abroad.

Eliza Shields video

I love Spain!

December 19, 2025by: Siri Aadi Khalsa - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

4

My time in Spain was truly unforgettable. From the very first day, my host family made me feel like I belonged they were welcoming, kind, and always ready to share their traditions, meals, and laughter. Living with them gave me a window into everyday Spanish life that I will always treasure. I also fell in love with the food it was fresh, flavorful, and every meal felt like a little celebration. I loved exploring the city, especially taking the metro and discovering new neighborhoods on my own. Nights out, dance classes, and spontaneous day trips, like the one to Girona, made every week an adventure. The Spanish people I met were warm, funny, and generous, and immersing myself in the language and culture taught me so much more than I expected. Of course, being far from my own family was hard at times, and I missed them dearly. But the friendships I made, the new experiences, and the personal growth I gained made it all worthwhile. Looking back, this experience wasn’t just a trip it was a life changing chapter full of laughter, and unforgettable memories. Thank you Todos and UAB for making this experience possible for me!

Best Experience Ever

December 19, 2025by: Sofia Soto - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

4

This program, the city, and the overall experience was incredibly life-changing. I came to Barcelona not really knowing anyone. BarcelonaSAE quickly changed that. The activities this program provided allowed me to make awesome friendships. Additionally, the cultural immersion adventures gave us a glimpse of life in Spain that I believe other programs could not have offered. The program also sent out weekly emails detailing things to do around the city. This was immensely helpful as someone who always wanted to do and see something. Additionally, the city of Barcelona is an extravagant city that has so many nice people, good food, and hidden gems. I can confidently say that I am returning to the US as a different person thanks to this city and this program.

My favorite photo from my time here!

Living, Learning, and Growing in Barcelona

December 16, 2025by: Eve McDonough - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

5

Studying abroad in Barcelona was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in a culture that pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, become more independent, and see the world from a new perspective. Academically, my courses challenged me to think critically while connecting what I learned in the classroom to the city around me. Personally, navigating a new language, culture, and daily life helped me gain confidence and adaptability. I formed meaningful friendships with people from all over the world and created memories I will carry with me forever. Barcelona truly became a second home, and this experience shaped who I am both personally and professionally.

View from Sagrada Familia.

BSAE Study Abroad - A Life Changing Experience

December 14, 2025by: Julia Horwitz - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

4

My study abroad experience with BSAE was truly amazing and stands out as one of the most meaningful (and one of my favorite) chapters of my academic and personal life. Living and learning in a city so rich in culture, history, and energy allowed me to deepen my connection to Spain while also seeing it through a fresh, independent lens. Academically, the experience pushed me to think more critically about communication, culture, and global perspectives, especially through coursework that had a lot of discussions, observation, and real-world engagement beyond the classroom. The teachers surpass expectations by constantly being engaging and supportive. This experience changed the way I approach life, and I couldn't have done it without the help of the team members of BSAE. Immersing myself in a city that blends history, creativity, and constant movement taught me to slow down and appreciate the present rather than obsess over structure and perfection. Throughout these 3 and a half months, I learned to let go of being so uptight and instead embrace flexibility, spontaneity, and optimism. The experience reinforced my interest in international perspectives and cross-cultural understanding, while giving me unforgettable memories and skills I’ll carry forward. Choosing to go to Barcelona with BSAE was the best decision I have made in my life. Even if you have doubts, go. I promise you won't regret it.

A Truly Personalized Academic Experience

December 06, 2025by: Jakob Brown - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

5

From the first day in this beautiful city, the Barcelona Study Abroad Experience makes every student feel like family. Two moments in particular stood out to me, exemplifying the care and consideration that this program provides. Firstly, the inaugural tapas lunch was a fantastic welcome. The school brought us to a restaurant on the beach and treated us to an extensive meal of local cuisine. Sharing a delicious lunch with new classmates and academic mentors proved to be a great opportunity to make friendships that lasted the entire semester and beyond. Secondly, following an international trip, I suffered from a respiratory infection and had to miss two consecutive days of classes. On the second day, I received a personal email from the Senior Coordinator of Student Life checking in to make sure I was healthy and taken care of. This kind of attention to detail and personalization is precisely the service that makes this program so irrefutably excellent. Having attended seven schools in my life, I can confidently attest to the attention to detail and opportunities that this program consistently provides, and I would be eager to recommend Barcelona SAE to any of my fellow students.

The Best Experience of my Life

November 30, 2025by: Samantha McConnon - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Internships in Barcelona, Spain

5

If you're thinking about doing this program, DO IT! I am so thrilled with my choice to come to Barcelona, especially after learning Spanish in my undergraduate program. It was as beautiful and historic as I imagined. The fellow students in the program made the experience even better; I've truly made best friends for a lifetime. Barcelona SAE is special. Everyone who works in the program wants the best for you. My internship placement was exactly what I had hoped for, a combination of my writing major and minors in theatre and Spanish. I received so much help and support from pre-arrival until after arriving back home. My mentor, Vivian, was always ecstatic to hear from me and get coffee with me, encouraging all I did there. They truly want you to see the best places in Barcelona and across Spain. I would recommend this program a hundred times over.

Cuitadella Park

Experiences and memories that will last a lifetime

July 31, 2025by: Natalie Meksavanh - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Internships in Barcelona, Spain

5

Barcelona SAE truly made my dreams a reality, and I was extremely lucky to have been placed in the heart of Gracia. Accessible to nearby public transportation, local markets and supermarkets, convenience stores, clothing stores, and lots of food, I was able to acclimate to Barcelona quickly. I've always dreamed of living in Europe, and Barcelona was always just a dream I never thought I would be able to live. Participating in this program was truly a life-changing experience—one that exceeded every expectation and made my dreams come true. From the very beginning, the team at Barcelona SAE made me feel supported, welcomed, and excited for what was to come. The living placement was absolutely perfect—comfortable, safe, and ideally located to explore the beauty of Barcelona. It felt like home almost instantly, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to live during my time abroad. My internship placement was equally incredible. It not only aligned perfectly with my career goals but also challenged me to grow professionally and personally. I was able to gain real-world experience in an international setting, all while being surrounded by inspiring people who were eager to share their knowledge and culture. The memories I made during this program will stay with me forever. From weekend trips and cultural excursions to spontaneous adventures with new friends, every moment added something special to my journey. The experience opened my mind, expanded my horizons, and gave me a new perspective on both life and career. Barcelona SAE gave me so much more than just an internship or study abroad opportunity—it gave me confidence, unforgettable memories, and a second home across the world. I will always be grateful for this experience and everything it brought into my life.

Best Summer of My Life!

July 27, 2025by: Sofia Usquiano - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Internships in Barcelona, Spain

5

My study abroad experience in Barcelona was life-changing and truly the best summer of my life. The Barcelona SAE staff and mentors were incredibly supportive, making me feel welcomed and guided every step of the way. I will forever cherish the memories, friendships, and incredible experiences I gained during this summer! I would highly recommend to anyone considering doing the program!!

Fantastic experience!

July 27, 2025by: Skye Morton - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Internships in Barcelona, Spain

5

I think this program provided the perfect mix for work, fun, and cultural learning! I worked 29 hours a week and had the rest of time to explore. They provided a lot of cultural activities that we could do, and they were all fun

I feel like I’ve created a new home in Barcelona!

July 24, 2025by: Tala Abu Hijleh - United States

Program: CEA CAPA Internships in Barcelona, Spain

4

I had the best experience studying abroad in Barcelona. The program is so thoughtfully designed and it encouraged me to truly engage with the city. The cultural excursions were not only fun, but also gave me the chance to try new things and gain a deeper understanding of local life. Most importantly, I felt incredibly supported by everyone at Barcelona SAE. The staff are warm, helpful, and genuinely invested in making sure we got the most out of our time here.

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Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Kayla VonBurg

Kayla VonBurg

Participated in 2017

Alumni

As a language major, I know the best way to become really proficient is complete immersion, so I knew that study abroad would be the right move for me. I also wanted to experience something different than just my college campus. I had never lived in a big city before, not even my college town. Madrid seemed to be a faster-paced lifestyle that I really wanted to experience.

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Gemma Gonzalez

Gemma Gonzalez

Participated in 2017

Alumni

I began to develop an interest in Paris, France when I started learning French a few years before studying abroad. I spoke an advanced level of the language and was quite familiar with the culture, but did not have the chance to apply those skills outside of school. Thus, going to Paris allowed me to put into practice my French-speaking skills and further expand my knowledge of the French culture.

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Quinton Schunk

Quinton Schunk

Participated in 2017

Alumni

I always knew I wanted to go abroad, but seeing other kids abroad and seeing their amazing experiences really pushed me to apply.

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Paige Halfmann

Paige Halfmann

Participated in 2018

Alumni

As someone who grew up in a small town and stayed in the same town for college, I knew if I wanted to succeed in my future career I would need to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. My time spent abroad was definitely successful in placing me outside my comfort zone time and time again, and giving me the opportunity to prove to myself that I am capable of adapting and even thriving in new situations.

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Meghan Harrington

Meghan Harrington

Participated in 2017

Alumni

Both my parents did their fair share of traveling in their youth and always encouraged my brothers and I to as well. Traveling outside of the country is very expensive, especially as a family of five, and like most families, we could not afford to do it often. I did have the opportunity to go to Mexico twice when I was a child. For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to go to France. Between the language, the music, the scenery, and the culture in general, I have always been absolutely infatuated with the country.

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Katie Fanning

Katie Fanning

Participated in 2016

Alumni

My mother studied for a year in France so I grew up hearing her stories. I've wanted to have my own study abroad experience since I can remember.

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Megan Styborski

Megan Styborski

Participated in 2017

Alumni

I knew I wanted to study abroad before I even reached college. My older cousin spent a semester in Italy when I was in high school, and I knew from that point on that studying abroad was a must for me. As I got older, and my wanderlust only got stronger, that desire was reinforced. Then when I started researching options, and once I realized how amazing some of the classroom experiences could be, I was sure I would go.

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Shannon Egan

Shannon Egan

Participated in 2017

Alumni

Honestly, I fully believe my interest in studying abroad started when I was really young. I was swooned by every Eiffel Tower photo I ever saw, chose to take french all throughout high school and ended up choosing a small town in the south of France to study abroad in during the spring semester of my junior year of college. The first time I went abroad was the summer after my freshman year of college and I thank that trip for increasing my interest in the international world too. I couldn't believe how different another culture was from mine. I felt that there was always something to learn and someone to meet.

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Heather Berg

Heather Berg

Participated in 2015

Alumni

I wanted to go abroad because my grandparents did a lot of traveling while I was growing up. I wanted to start traveling at a young age. When I realized that I could travel while studying and getting class credit for it, I started to save money and do my research.

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Ariel Dunay

Ariel Dunay

Participated in 2015

Alumni

Studying abroad was always something I wanted to do in college, but was never sure of where to go or what to study. I had been studying French for years and while France was on the back of my mind, it just didn't seem "exotic" enough (silly, right?!) One of my friends who had studied in Paris told me about all of the weekend trips that she had gone on while abroad and how easy it is to get away. She also convinced me that France was the right just for me because my language skills would improve massively. That really solidified the idea for me!

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Paige Wright

Paige Wright

Participated in 2015

Alumni

I knew I wanted to get out of America and see something new. Little did I know, seeing something old was better than seeing something new. Italy was the birthplace of my great grandmother, so I wanted to go and eat pasta and pizza and maybe see what familial ties I could find. I didn't know anything about my ancestors, so I didn't really know where to look; I just wanted to go and try something, and man, did I choose right!

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Mackenzie Luttinen

Mackenzie Luttinen

Participated in 2015

Alumni

I wanted to expand my worldview. A lot of my friends and family kept on telling me that Europe had the same kind of culture as the United States, and I never really bought into it. I always have been interested in why cultures have certain mannerisms, and I felt that the only way to truly understand was to fully immerse myself in a different culture.

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Melissa Morris

Melissa Morris

Interviewed in 2015

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

I always knew I wanted to work in an international environment; after my childhood abroad, it was ingrained in me. There was no escaping it (not that I ever wanted to!). Growing up abroad, living abroad, and studying abroad had such a huge impact on the way I view the world, the way I view people, and the things I value in life. I have such a strong passion for other cultures and believe strongly in the benefit diversity in education provides to students.

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Karisa Desjardins

Karisa Desjardins

Participated in 2014

Alumni

During my junior year of high school our language classes took a week tour of Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris. I had always thought of Paris romantically, like most do, and as soon as we arrived I fell in love with the architecture, the culture, and the language. After just three days in Paris I knew I had to come back. So when it came time to choose my study abroad location I was determined to find a way to study in Paris! I was encouraged to study in other parts of France, and I did look at other programs, but I couldn’t pull myself away from the semester of my dreams in Paris.

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Alexandra Mitchell

Alexandra Mitchell

Interviewed in 2015

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

My initial reaction to this question would be that my time abroad in high school was not really a catalyst to what happened later, but with further thought, on some level, that program in high school probably did spark something that impacted the decisions I made later. It was my first time in Western Europe and exploring the sounds, smells, and sights of something very different from what I knew. I was quite attracted to a lifestyle that values balance, an appreciation of the past and of beauty, and life without a car! I suppose that if I’m working in international education today, I hope to facilitate the same opportunities I had as a young student, opportunities that could change the direction of students’ futures.

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Chelsea Raschke

Chelsea Raschke

Interviewed in 2015

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

You were a CEA Seville student, Alumni Ambassador, and now you are a staff member. How did you make the transition from student to

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Lenka Vystrcilova

Lenka Vystrcilova

Interviewed in 2015

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

Before CEA you worked with students studying abroad in Munich, how did you get connected to CEA’s programs in Prague?

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Michelle Esche

Michelle Esche

Interviewed in 2015

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

You studied abroad on a custom CEA program in Madrid, Spain while you were an undergrad at DePaul University, how did this experience impact your interest in a career in international education?

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Victor Gonzalez

Victor Gonzalez

Interviewed in 2015

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

You’re from Cuba, how did you get connected to CEA Study Abroad?

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Francis Kelly 

Francis Kelly 

Interviewed in 2015

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

You’re from Ireland, how did you get connected to CEA Study Abroad and their programming in Dublin?

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CEA

CEA

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CEA CAPA, the collaborative venture between CEA Study Abroad and CAPA: The Global Education Network, stands as a beacon of academic excellence, integrity, and innovation in global education. United under the banner of CEA CAPA Education Abroad, the organization equips students with the skills to flourish in an interconnected and diverse world. This partnership allows for increased investments in programs, personnel, and the overarching mission, fostering an enriched portfolio and enhanced program quality. With a commitment to academic prowess evident in organization-wide learning objectives, co-curricular activities, and faculty development, CEA CAPA ensures a central focus on academics in every facet of the student experience abroad. Beyond academics, inclusivity is a cornerstone for C...

Awards

Check out awards and recognitions CEA has received

2025 Finalist - Innovation in SustainabilityNotable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Study Abroad Providers 2024GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Study Abroad ProgramGoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - SustainabilityGoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Student VideoA logo on white backgroundA logo with colorful dotsQUIP Recognition