Study Political Science & Politics Abroad

If you get the chance to study abroad with CEA Capa, you should. Participating in Cal Poly's First Year GO Program, and venturing on my own to Sevilla, Spain, was the best choice I could've made. Before I left, I was nervous, unsure, and had never before left the country on my own. With CEA Capa, everything felt do-able. We were welcomed into the city, housed at a very pleasant residence hall, and got to take classes in a beautiful historic building in the city-center. Studying abroad with CEA Capa gave me the opportunity to see the world, immerse myself in Spanish culture, and build a variety of skills that I will carry with me throughout my life.

I went to Korea University over the summer and it's safe to say it was the best summer yet. WorldStrides was extremely helpful and accommodating throughout the whole process. Their excursions were a lot of fun and gave me the opportunity to meet other students that came with WorldStrides as well. The staff was always available when needed and knew what to do when asked questions. The summer was so much fun, I got to travel all over Seoul and make memories everyday! I cannot recommend this enough!

Going abroad with CYA was truly a life changing experience for me. I got to immerse myself with the Greek culture and got to visit areas of Greece that I didn't even know existed through field study trips. For example, besides living in Athens, I had the opportunity to visit Northern Greece and see more of Greece's country side. Additionally, through the academics that CYA provides, I was able to take a modern Greek class and even got to learn a little bit of Greek. I will never forget my time with CYA and am grateful for everything it taught me.

College Year in Athens responded to this reviewSeptember 25, 2026

Hi Daisy, thanks for sharing your experience with CYA! We are thrilled to hear you felt supported throughout your semester and had a chance to immerse yourself in the culture. We hope you can visit again soon!

I actually can’t recommend this program enough. It seriously changed my life. First off, the staff from worldstrides alone should be enough to sell you. I felt more supported by the mentors in Lima then I did in my university in the states. Michelle and Christy are some of the most caring people I have ever met. They were incredibly helpful- I was absolutely sure I could ask them about anything and they would happily help. They went out of their way to make sure we had the best experience possible, from giving dance/surf class recommendations to accompanying a student to the hospital when they felt sick. My host mom, Doris, was absolutely spectacular. Not only was she so sweet and patient, she was also incredibly accommodating (and such a good cook). My roommates had dietary restrictions (One didn’t eat red meat, the other was lactose intolerant), and she worked hard to make sure everyone felt comfortable. She was so patient and helpful as we practiced our spanish. I still call her every other week! Besides the wonderful people involved, Peru as a whole is absolutely amazing. Go. Please. It has something for everyone. It’s one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, so the food is amazing. Worldstrides takes you on both included (Historical district, huacachina (with sand surfing)) and extra excursions. I was lucky enough to be able to go on the extra trips to the amazon (absolutely crazy), and to Machu Picchu. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. Lima is an amazing city with so many events, you’ll never be bored. I did everything from attend an interactive spanish-adaptation of the broadway show “Next to Normal” (phenomenal), to participate in Miraflores’ community zumba classes, to go to a circus, to march in Lima’s pride parade, to fish for piranhas in the amazon. I did the 2-month summer program, and it was spectacular. The first month, I took classes at Cayetano Heredia- Medical Spanish and Community Health. Weekdays were sometimes a little long, but all the teachers were SO supportive and amazing. You get to learn from and shadow practicing doctors and see how healthcare works in Peru, which is a FANTASTIC experience! We even got the opportunity to run a simulated clinical visit with actual actors. The second month, we got to volunteer with Aprendo Contigo, an organization that works to ensure hospitalized children don’t fall behind in schoolwork. We got to have the chance to see what we learned manifest in real life and have real patient interactions. I left wanting to come back as soon as possible, and legitimately considered staying in college for an extra semester just to be able to stay for a whole semester.

Studying abroad is the adventure of a lifetime! With CYA, it was even more memorable. The program is located in Athens, in a safe, lively neighborhood. I felt immersed in the culture immediately, with tavernas and local grocery stores just steps from my apartment. The program not only offers opportunities and activities right there in Athens, but it also coordinates trips throughout Greece to further our exploration of the country. I loved how supportive and organized the program was. It made it easy to not only learn more about culture, history, and language while in Greece, but also to get the most out of our study abroad experience. I liked the size of the program because everyone gets to know each other really well, and it makes it feel like a family. The professors are extremely supportive and are always looking to make personal connections with the students. There are so many class options for any major or interest. A lot of the classes like to use Athens as their classroom, and I think this was one of my favorite parts. I loved meeting at the Athenian Agora or the Acropolis to actually see what we were learning about. I loved taking Greek language, mainly because my professor was the best! I learned so much from her, and she made learning the language possible and exciting. It was so fun going to the local coffee shops and practicing my Greek. CYA is a great program for anyone interested in Greece, history, arts, culture, the Greek language, or a program that takes the abroad experience to the next level!

College Year in Athens responded to this reviewSeptember 25, 2026

Hi Emily, thanks for sharing your experience with CYA and these amazing photos! We love hearing you had the chance to explore both inside and outside of the classroom. Hopefully you can visit again soon!

My time in Barcelona was one of the best experiences in my life. Out of all the cities I visited when I was abroad, Barcelona was by far my favorite and I was always so excited to come back from traveling. I loved the people, the metro, the city, and the beach. There was always something going on to have the best time of your life.

Studying abroad in Sevilla was one of the best experiences of my college years. I chose Sevilla because I wanted to improve my Spanish and truly immerse myself in the language and culture, and I got so much more out of the experience than I expected. One of my favorite things was walking through the streets around the Plaza de España and Parque de María Luisa, especially in the afternoon when I had a break from class. From eating lunch that my host dad cooked to exploring Sevilla with my roommate and practicing Spanish in everyday situations, I became much more comfortable and independent. Sevilla slowly started to feel like home, and leaving was honestly one of the hardest parts. I made memories and friendships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and I would absolutely recommend Sevilla to anyone considering studying abroad.

My time in Rome with CEA was the most amazing summer of my life. I came into the program knowing no one; I had no family in Rome, and I didn't speak Italian. But as soon as I met my roommates, we clicked right away and became the best of friends! Living together was so much fun; we'd do grocery runs whenever we needed food, which was the easiest supply run I have ever done since the grocery stores around our apartment were maybe two minutes away in each direction. We'd go out to dinner, trying local Roman pasta like Rigatoni all'Amatriciana, which became a favorite amongst our group; we'd get gelato practically every night! We even traveled together while we were there, heading off to different countries on the weekends when we found the time! Our group meshed so incredibly well and I had the time of my life with them. The memories we made are some of my most precious; we watched Off Campus together, shouting at the screen when someone did something wrong; we walked to the Colosseum in the middle of the night just because we wanted to see the sights; we watched FIFA on the Tiber River banks with other tourists and locals. It was so great that now it feels like a dream. The travel around Italy was so incredibly easy! Flying out of Fiumicino Airport took no time whatsoever when you were traveling within the EU and was incredibly easy to get to from our apartment in Prati. I got really used to taking public transport while I was there, and though it was intimidating at first, it was so easy after I got used to it. Taking the A line to Termini and the train to the airport was honestly a fun experience. I had a great time exploring the transportation options in Rome. Lastly, the administration in Rome for CEA CAPA was absolutely incredible! They made us all feel so welcome and were very conscientious of our needs, always making themselves available if we needed them! The professors were wonderful as well! My Art and Archaeology professor and Photography professor were incredible women and very skilled in their chosen disciplines! They took us across Rome to study sites and help us hone our skills to become better acquainted with history and photography. It was incredible to actually go into the Roman Forum and the Colosseum to study their history! My time in Rome was honestly the best time! I grew so much in confidence as I learned to live comfortably in a new culture. Everything from the academics to the lifestyle of the city was incredible and I can't wait to go back!

My study abroad experience with CEA CAPA in Antibes France was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made! I made so many core memories I will never forget and stories that I cherish. I meat people from all over the world and expanded my global perspective. I learned what it means to live and “adult” in a different country. But most importantly I got to live a life full of adventure and freedom that I would have never experienced if it was not for CEA CAPA!

Applying to CYA and studying abroad with them was one of the best choices of my life. The program was diverse and captivating, the faculty were so supportive, and the academics were top tier. This program not only fostered my growth as a student but as an individual and global community member.

College Year in Athens responded to this reviewSeptember 25, 2026

Hi Tori, thanks for sharing your experience with CYA! We love to hear you found the courses to be impactful and had the chance to grow. Hopefully you can visit again soon!

It is difficult to find the words to describe what an incredible time I had in Paris with CEA Study Abroad. My life is forever changed because of my time in Paris. Meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, having to converse in a language I had never studied grew me more than I could have imagined. The CEA staff was extremly organized and welcoming, beginning to end and calmed the nerves I had landing in Paris. I will never forget my experience and will forever be grateful to the CEA team

I had the most amazing experience studying abroad in Sydney. I specifically went to UNSW, which is super close to the beach. I was able to make best friends that I'll cherish forever, and together we made such amazing memories like surfing, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, and travelling to different parts of Australia, and even New Zealand! I'm so grateful for everything this experience brought me; I made lifelong friends, but also grew so much as a person and connected a lot with myself!! :) Even though it might be nerve-wracking at first to do it alone, be proud of putting yourself out there! In no time, you will make amazing friends and memories, and hopefully fall in love with Australia like I did :) Make the most out of your experience and say yes to all the activities you can.

Studying abroad in Seville, Spain, was one of the most meaningful experiences I have had in college. As a first-generation college student, studying abroad was something I was not always sure would be possible for me, so being able to spend a month in Spain was a major accomplishment. During my time abroad, I took classes that allowed me to learn more about Spanish culture, communication, food, and history while also experiencing these things outside of the classroom. I visited important places such as the Real Alcázar, Plaza de España, and the Cathedral of Seville, and I also had the opportunity to travel to Lisbon, Portugal. One of my favorite parts of the experience was living with my host parents, Mama Rosa and Papa Norberto, because they helped me feel more connected to the local culture and gave me a home away from home. I also became close with the other students in my program and made friendships that I will always value. Being abroad pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me become more independent and confident. I returned home with a stronger sense of independence and memories that I will carry with me throughout college and beyond.

My time at Sogang University through WorldStrides was the most impactful, life-changing, and rewarding experience I have ever had. Beyond my incredible course studying K-Pop, Hallyu, and the way it has spread across the globe, I found so much joy going and experiencing everyday life in Korea. From the beautiful temples to practicing my Korean with locals, I cherished every moment I had during my time there. I was always taken care of, supported, and felt like I was truly cared for by the on-site team, from airport pickup to organized activities (including a super fun excursion to Nami Island!). I would do anything to go back again and re-experience the entire thing!

This was one of the best experiences of my life. I spent a month in Seoul and took classes at Hanyang University. I felt very immersed in the culture and made so many new friends from all over the world. I took a Korean traditional fan dancing class while I was there, and it was so much fun to learn and perform at the graduation ceremony. We also got to go to Jeju Island during the trip, which was so amazing. It was really interesting to see an island filled with so much history.

Forum-Nexus was an amazing experience. I made many new friends, enjoyed the professional and cultural visits, and loved the balance between school and fun. The staff was amazing, and I would definitely recommend it.

I spent my semester abroad in Christchurch, New Zealand with Worldstrides, and it was an extraordinary experience from beginning to end. We began the program with a 4-day orientation in Queenstown where we got to meet all of the Worldstrides students in New Zealand and participate in special culturally immersive events, while also being supported in the transition abroad. Having the opportunity to befriend each other before everyone continued on to their respective cities (Christchurch, Auckland, Dunedin, and Wellington) is something that I came to realize was unique to Worldstrides. Many of us ended up visiting each other across the country throughout the semester, and I loved being able to show Christchurch to my friends from other cities. It definitely created a community from the start, and I knew wherever I traveled in New Zealand I could always reach out to a fellow Worldstrides student nearby! As for the city of Christchurch, I cannot recommend it enough. Living in the Uni accommodations created such a special environment that tight-knit friendships with students both in and out of the Worldstrides program. Another huge part of my Christchurch experience was our Resident Director, Gill. She was basically our parent away from home and she truly cared about every one of us–not to mention she was a blast to hang out with! She gave us a tour of the city and gave us all of her local knowledge. She checked in on us weekly and always went out of her way to be there when one of us needed some extra support. When I go back to New Zealand (because after this experience I most certainly will), Gill will be the first person I call. Academically, the University of Canterbury offered some of the most intellectually stimulating courses I’ve taken in my college career, and I was surprised by the relationships I was able to build with my professors and local classmates in such a short time. I ended up getting more involved at UC than at my home campus, and the clubs were so welcoming and open to study abroad students. The culture and environment of New Zealand truly encourages you to get outside, step out of your comfort zone, and become a part of something so much bigger than yourself. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

My experience studying abroad with CEA CAPA in Barcelona was truly amazing. I had high expectations going into the program, and they were completely exceeded. My apartment was in a great neighborhood that felt extremely safe while still giving me an authentic, local experience. It was also close to everything, which made it so easy to walk around and explore the city every day. I also had a great experience with my classes. My professors were extremely understanding and supportive, which made balancing academics with everything else that comes with studying abroad much easier. The CEA CAPA staff was incredibly welcoming and played such a big role in making my experience as great as it was. They offered so many activities, events, and opportunities that helped me meet people, experience Barcelona, and feel comfortable living in a city so far from home. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and I’m so grateful I chose to do it through CEA CAPA. I would absolutely recommend the program to anyone considering studying abroad!

Although my time abroad in Sevilla, Spain with CEA CAPA was only 4 weeks in the summer, I had the most amazing time. I was nervous going into the program; I knew no one from my school who was going and was assigned a random roommate, but the CEA CAPA staff were super accommodating and reassuring. I met the best group of people, took a super fun class on Spanish food and culture for college credit, saw beautiful architecture, traveled all over Spain and Europe, strengthened my Spanish language skills, and learned so much about myself. I loved my experience so much; my only regret is not doing a longer program!

My name is Kabba and I studied abroad in London, England during the Fall 2025 semester! I chose to study abroad because I wanted to explore an opportunity to grow by doing something out of my comfort zone. AIFS helped make my experience an unforgettable one by ensuring I was prepared before departure and providing me with support during my time abroad. I would recommend studying abroad with AIFS to anyone who is willing to expand their horizon!