Studying abroad is an amazing and eye-opening experience, but it’s also pretty nerve-wracking. For most people, it’s our first time spending a long period of time (or any time at all) in a new country, with unfamiliar systems and cultural norms, a different language, and a bunch of “firsts” we’ve never dealt with before. I experienced these stressors during my time abroad in Barcelona, but that’s where CEA CAPA staff came in and made my life and transition into a new country so much easier. From the beginning, CEA CAPA wasn’t just there as a way for us to get abroad. Their continuous support leading up to the program made me feel comfortable upon arrival. Acting as a middleman between students and local services, CEA CAPA made it easier for everyone to settle in, feel safe, and get the most out of their time abroad. Personally, their support with housing and medical services made all the difference for me. 

Celebrating my 21st birthday at my Beyoo Residencia 

CEA CAPA Support with Housing 

Before leaving for my semester abroad, I was nervous about where I’d be living. Finding housing in another country felt daunting, especially when I knew nothing about the process. Thankfully, CEA CAPA handles student housing every step of the way, while also including you in important decisions. They offered guidance on my options well before departure, providing detailed descriptions of potential accommodations and answering all my questions. Additionally, something that stood out to me was how accommodating they were with roommate preferences. I was traveling with a friend who had also signed up for the same program, and CEA CAPA made sure we were assigned to the same apartment. In fact, I don’t know anyone on the program that didn’t get assigned to housing with their preferred roommate(s). Small details like that make the transition to a new environment so much easier, which I truly appreciated.  

My Beyoo floormates and I on the rooftop of our residencia 

After I settled into my housing in Barcelona, I encountered a maintenance issue in the building that left me unsure of how to proceed, given the language barrier and never having to approach a maintenance issue in a new country before. So, I turned to CEA CAPA for guidance on how to handle the issue, and they went above and beyond. A staff member sat down with me to listen to my concerns and assured me they’d help. They contacted the building’s management on my behalf, acting as the translator and advocate I needed. Without their support, I would have been stuck in an uncomfortable situation with no clear solution. But thanks to their involvement, the issue was resolved, and they even followed up to make sure everything stayed on track and made sure I knew they were available if anything else came up.  

Working out at the in-building gym 

CEA CAPA Support with Medical Services 

Another big moment for me was when I realized I needed to get a vaccination while I was abroad. I had no idea where to start. Trying to figure out how the healthcare system worked, which doctor to go to, and how to even book an appointment, all felt very overwhelming. Once again, I reached out to CEA CAPA and similar to my housing situation, all it needed was one request, and they took care of everything! I told them what I needed, and they handled everything else. Within a day, I had an appointment scheduled without any need for me to research clinics, navigate insurance questions, or try to call any offices in Spanish. CEA CAPA staff simply told me where to be and when, and that was that. When I got to the hospital, the staff already knew CEA CAPA had booked the appointment, so they were prepared for a language barrier. Someone spoke to me in English and made sure I fully understood what was going on the entire time. The whole process was smooth, quick, and honestly way easier than I ever expected it to be. What could have been a really stressful experience ended up being very manageable and easy, all thanks to CEA CAPA staff support! 

Beyoo elevator pic on the way to class 

Conclusion 

Reflecting back on my study abroad experience as a whole, I can say with confidence that it was shaped in large part by the support I received from CEA CAPA. Their behind-the-scenes help, whether it be with housing, medical services, or general advice, made my life so much easier and allowed me to focus on having fun and enjoying new experiences. More than just offering a vessel for living abroad, CEA CAPA offered a complete experience that I will always be grateful for.