CEA CAPA Education Abroad kicked off the 2024 International Education Week (IEW, November 18 - 22) with an Alumni Panel featuring five former students. The panel covered a wide variety of topics related to the study abroad experience, including academics, internships, excursions, housing, travel tips, budgeting, health & safety, identity, and more. Each CEA CAPA Alum studied in a different country and shared their unique experiences before, during, and after their time abroad. If you missed the live panel on Thursday, November 19th, or want to revisit the conversation, you can find the recording here. 

Panel Discussion Topics, For Quick Reference: 

00:00  Meet the Panelists 

2:30  Academic Experiences 

6:00  Internship Experiences 

8:00  CEA CAPA Support 

8:50  Culture Shock 

13:50  Housing 

19:00  Health & Safety 

23:40  Major-Specific Advice 

28:55  Budgeting & Finances Abroad 

31:55  Phones & Practical Considerations 

33:10  Engaging with the Local Community & Culture 

34:40  Volunteering Abroad 

36:45  What to Pack 

40:50  CEA CAPA Excursions + Travel 

46:30  Identity & Study Abroad 

50:45  Advice from the Panelists 

57:40  Final Thoughts from CEA CAPA 

Live Question & Answer Chat Box (Not Visible in the Recording) 

How easy or difficult is it to switch out of a class abroad once assigned? 

It depends on the specific program, but there may be flexibility! The best thing to do is check in with your CEA CAPA advisor about your options so they can give the most accurate information for your program and major. 

Are classes in Barcelona pass/fail? 

For all of our programs abroad, CEA CAPA will provide a transcript with letter grades. However, it may depend on the students’ home institution how the course(s) abroad will be reflected on your transcript when you return. Some U.S. institutions may transfer the credit back as Pass/Fail. I recommend checking in with your home institution on how these grades will appear on your transcript when you return. 

Is housing for students usually close to campus?  

Typically, yes! Housing may be in multiple locations throughout any given city to help you immerse yourself in the local culture, and students may have classes within the CEA CAPA center, as well as at partner universities. So, it can vary! Most likely, you’ll use some form of public transportation to get to and from class. We have helpful maps on our website that highlight the locations of our centers, partner campuses, and housing areas to help indicate potential commute times. Feel encouraged to reach out to your CEA CAPA advisor for additional details and guidance. 

Is there anything you wish you had done differently in your study abroad experience? 

Drew: While abroad I opted to not take an Italian Language course, and this is my biggest regret. I was able to learn a little bit of the language, but for those who did learn the language, they were so much more immersed in the culture. 

Esther: I would have done more traveling, especially within the UK. I would have loved to go to Scotland! 

How do you slow down and truly appreciate each experience when time seems to fly while you are abroad? 

Try to really live in the moment! Take lots of pictures and make memories with others. And branch out and make friends with locals to stay connected. 

Check out the final 10 minutes of the recording for additional advice from our panelists to maximize detailing and remembering your time abroad. 

Are there any Business undergraduate students? 

Yes! Business is CEA CAPA's most common major, so we offer lots of business focused classes, as well as amazing business-focused internships.