Filmmaking Study Abroad Programs in Spain

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.

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.

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.

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!

Leaving to study abroad in Barcelona was my first time ever leaving the country and exploring a new culture. I could not be more grateful for choosing CIS Abroad for such an amazing experience. From the very beginning, the CIS Abroad staff helped me prepare for the experience of a lifetime with genuine care, guidance, and support. That support continued throughout my time abroad. CIS Abroad made me feel safe by providing comprehensive resources for students, including access to therapy, medical care, and additional support whenever we were sick or needed assistance. Barcelona quickly became my second home, and studying abroad was truly one of the best experiences of my life. I grew personally and professionally, and created memories that I will carry with me forever.

During my time abroad I learned more about the world, myself and what i'm capable of than ever before. This was by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done and not a day goes by where I don't miss it. Ive made the best friends I could ever ask for, had some of the best food in my life, seen the most beautiful architecture and learned so much history about other regions its amazed me. I learned how to navigate new environments all on my own in countries where English was not a first language. Ive grown so much independently and mentally from this and will take it with me in my future success! For anyone that is on the fence about going abroad I strongly encourage that you won't regret it, the worst part about abroad for me was having to leave a place that I quickly called home!

I would highly recommend the CIS Barcelona Creative Industries Program. Not only is studying abroad a life-changing experience, but this unique program has only added to the amazing experience. My days were filled with learning and exploring the amazing city that is Barcelona. Classes were open and creative, and even the professors would take us on field trips to further learn. Not only was living in Spain amazing the staff on site were very supportive in the whole experience. There were also different excursions including a winery tour, a tour of Blanes, and a trip to the gorgeous Spanish city of Sevilla. So if you want a life-changing experience and one that is even more unique than others you should check out the CIS Barcelona Creative Industries Program.

I had the best time studying abroad with CEA Capa in Sevilla, Spain. I lived with a host mom who was great at sharing her culture and food. We still talk to this day and she was a wonderful host. My class was amazing and is one of my favorite classes I have taken to this day. I loved the different perspectives presented on global communication. My internship placement was also great and a learned a lot. CEA hosted several events that really helped me connect and make friends with other people in my program. It was a great experience and I highly recommend choosing to study abroad with CEA.

The people in CEA CAPA are some of the most kind and helpful people I have met throughout the whole process of studying abroad. They made me feel heard and helped me with many of the challenges I have faced when going abroad. Seville itself is the most amazing place to study abroad. The food, people, and overall atmosphere were truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I loved everything about Seville and couldn't recommend it more to other students.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience studying abroad in Seville, Spain through CEA Capa Abroad. They have an amazing support team that guides you through the entire pre-departure process, as well as site administrators and teachers for when you arrive. I thankfully did not have any particularly difficult situations while abroad, but it was reassuring knowing that I had people I could reach out to for assistance if needed. CEA Capa has so many programs across the world and internship connections for a wide range of studies. Highly recommend for students looking for their perfect program!!

I went abroad with CEA CAPA to Seville, Spain and it was an amazing experience! I took classes at a local university, was immersed in the culture through a variety of different excursions put on by CEA CAPA, and met amazing people. This experience allowed me to better my Spanish and learn a new culture. The people that work at CEA CAPA were very friendly and answered any and all questions that I had before my trip as well as during.

CEA responded to this reviewMarch 16, 2024

Hi Hannah! Thanks so much for your feedback on your study abroad experience in Seville! So glad you had such an amazing time learning the language and culture.

Seville is a captivating city that has a charming blend of rich history, vibrant nightlife, and a warm community. Tapa places are at every corner, and so are shoe stores and ice cream places. While Seville's heat in the summer is beyond, the cultural tradition of siestas help avoid the heat. A truly exceptional destination for those seeking a transformative international program. The memories you make will last you a life time and the friends you will make from all walks of life!

I originally chose to study abroad through CEA CAPA in Seville because I wanted a program that offered kinesiology related courses. The courses were fantastic and the teachers made the entire experience better. They offered local perspectives since they were both from Seville. Also, I am extremely happy with the housing option I chose. I stayed in a Casa with 5 other program students. We lived above our host family and would eat meals with them everyday. Our host mom also did our laundry and gave us traveling tips. The entire program was designed in a way that helps students feel comfortable in an unknown country. CEA CAPA pre-plans excursions that allow students to see different aspects of the local culture.

It was a beautiful experience and I gained a lot of skills along with a new perspective on my dreams/aspirations! I learned from community members, professors and friends each and every day. It was an honor to learn from people who want to see you win.

Going abroad to a new country can be scary. CEA CAPA provided all the resources I needed plus more to help me do everything I wanted during my time abroad. Some of the things that were really important to me were having options for many classes that I was interested in that would fulfill my major and minor requirements at my home university. CEA CAPA had so many options and more. I was also able to study at a local university while also taking classes with CEA CAPA. I was also able to have volunteer opportunities through CEA CAPA which ended up being one of my most favorite and rewarding experiences of my entire abroad. The excursions were also some of my favorite times from abroad. I connected with so many people from my program and when we went on excursions I was able to spend time with my whole program.

CEA made my time in Sevilla truly incredible. They provided the best cultural, academic, economic and personal development opportunities. I learned so much about myself and the world. I learned to journal. I learned to speak a language, and speak it well. I learned to expose myself to new people and ideas. I learned to empathize with people living in a traditional country. I learned about the horrors of Franco and the Inquisition, about the beauties of Spanish art and female teachers in the early 1900s. The experience could not have been more worthwhile. The classes offered to me at the University of Seville (Spanish language instruction) and at the CEA center (English language instruction) were fantastic and so thought-provoking. The professors, all Sevillanos, were incredibly kind and considerate. I learned so much about culture, history, literature and art. I was able to hone my Spanish, travel around Spain and Europe rather affordably, and take advantage of the amazing CEA opportunities (everything from flamenco classes to visiting Lisbon, Portugal). I adored everything about my living situation. Lola, the kindest, most hilarious, and culinary genius of a host-mom made my life so beautiful in Sevilla. I lived in a young, hip neighborhood, full of families and murals and bars and delicious tapas, as well as other fun restaurants, like an amazing Middle Eastern one, a yummy burger place, and a truly terrific Italian heaven.

CEA responded to this reviewMarch 27, 2020

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and thorough review, Lilia! We are so happy to hear you had a wonderful time with CEA in Seville, and took advantage that all the city has to offer. “The experience could not have been more worthwhile” is music to our ears! We hope you’ll stop by and say hello the next time you find yourself in Spain, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors! (And, we love the photo of the picnic watercolor!)

My time in Seville with CEA was literally the best three and a half months of my life. As a first-time traveler outside of the U.S., I experienced so many different places and cultures, met amazing friends, conquered my fear of flying and improved my Spanish big-time. The onsite professors and administrators, as well as the offsite staff, are very communicative, personable and helpful. They really take the time to get to know students. I really enjoyed the program excursions, especially the one to Morrocco. Taking a large group of college students to another continent for the weekend is no simple feat, but the staff handled it with grace and skill. This program and this city are close to my heart!

CEA responded to this reviewMarch 03, 2020

Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words, Shannon! “Literally the best three and a half months of my life” is truly music to our ears. Your review echoes the same sentiments as so many of our CEA Seville alumni! Your feedback will serve as a guide for future students when researching their own study abroad programs. Be sure to stop by and say hello the next time you’re in Spain, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

Choosing this program has forever changed my life! I absolutely had the time of my life in Sevilla and couldn't have asked for a better study abroad experience. The best parts were the AMAZING staff and the INCREDIBLE host family they paired me with! The CEA Sevilla staff became my close friends, helping me with everything from lost luggage, to school projects, to giving me the best restaurant recommendations. The excursions that CEA organized for us were amazing and likely experiences I could have never organized on my own- like local cooking classes, flamenco shows, and even trips to Granada/Córdoba and Morocco! One of the most impactful parts of studying abroad was my loving host family. Living with them truly allowed me to learn more about the local Sevillano culture, improve my Spanish speaking skills, as well as simply develop and amazing relationship with some locals. Overall, my friends and I couldn't have chosen a better program or a better city to live in for a semester! I cannot wait to travel back and visit my friends at the CEA Sevilla Center! (shoutout to Vicky y Fede :) )

CEA responded to this reviewFebruary 25, 2020

Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words, Emily! “Choosing this program has forever changed my life” is truly music to our ears. Your review echoes the same sentiments as so many of our CEA Seville alumni! Your feedback will serve as a guide for future students when researching their own study abroad programs. Be sure to stop by and say hello the next time you’re in Spain, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

The Alameda neighborhood in Sevilla is rich with bars, cafés, playgrounds, trees, beautiful buildings, and most importantly, PEOPLE! So many people stroll down the large, urban boulevard while heading home from mass, eating ice cream from Freskura, playing with children or dogs, or chatting with friends. For four lovely months, I was one of those people. By enjoying coffee from small cafés, chatting with fellow customers, strolling the narrow streets, and learning about the history of the area, or walking with a neighborhood friend and his dog, I was able to feel like part of the beautiful Sevilla tapestry. The neighborhood is young and hip, while still being rooted in deep Spanish tradition.

CEA responded to this reviewDecember 03, 2019

Lilia, we appreciate your thoughtful and thorough review of your time in Seville with CEA! It’s music to our ears to hear you had such a wonderful time abroad. This information will serve as a guide for future students when researching their own study abroad experiences. Be sure to stop by and say “hola” the next time you’re in Seville!

I believe that everyone's study abroad experience is unique, and no matter what program you go through, the fate of your enjoyment relies on your willingness to be open-minded and step out of your comfort zone. However, CEA provided every necessary resource in order to create the ideal study abroad experience. From flamenco dance lessons, to self-defence classes, to connecting with local Intercambio students, CEA went above and beyond to create a unique, enjoyable, and comfortable environment. Soaking in the local culture by exploring historical sites, such as the Cathedral, Giralda, Alcázar, Archivo de Indias, etc., is a great way to delve into the historical world of this city, while actively participating in the renowned "Feria de Abril" in Seville expands your perspective of dance and music, allowing you to explore a whole new cultural experience. Overall, as a result of studying abroad with CEA in Seville, my perspective on the world has broadened, and I see life from a worldly viewpoint instead of my narrowed, small-town mindset.

CEA responded to this reviewJune 06, 2019

Caroline, thank you for your kind words and thorough review. Your detailed recommendations for Seville and study abroad insights will help guide future students when researching and deciding upon their own study abroad experiences. Getting out of your comfort zone is a great step toward getting the most out of studying abroad, and we’re happy to hear you embraced it and grew from it! We are thrilled to hear you had a great semester with CEA in Seville, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!