Where I Started 

My name is Hayley. I am 20 years old, and I studied abroad with CEA CAPA my sophomore year of college. I was born and grew up in Tampa, Florida. I decided in high school to stay home for college. I attend the University of Tampa. It was the spring semester of my freshman year that I started to feel a bit lost in life. I felt like I was not growing. It seemed like I was only learning inside the classroom. Everything was routine. I had the same friends, the same room, the same way of life I did since high school. I knew something needed to change. That is when I decided to take a big step, leave home for the first time, and study abroad with CEA CAPA. 

The Start of the CEA CAPA Journey 

I started my semester abroad in Barcelona during the fall. Although, before that I spent my summer nervous about what was to come. How would I get around? What happens if I am sick? How do I adjust to the new culture? My mind ran endlessly with questions and possibilities. Thankfully CEA CAPA was there for me before I even left home. I had never been to Barcelona prior to going abroad. That means I knew nothing about where I was going!  

That is until CEA CAPA gave me all the information I would need or want to know to prepare. All the students in the program were given an online orientation specific to our destination. My orientation told me things like what weather to expect, popular spots, tips about Spanish culture, and many more facts to keep in mind upon arrival. I remember this was the first time I actually felt myself preparing for this big step. I started to feel excited. Like I said before, I felt like I was only learning inside classrooms, but at this point I started to feel optimistic. I was being taught new things before I even got to Barcelona!  

How I was Living 

The first time my roommates and I ever hung out altogether

I have had the same friends for a long time. With that in mind I was very nervous about being alone. I really wanted to meet new people. Thankfully CEA CAPA matched me with the best flat mates anyone could ask for. We still talk and plan trips together to this day! Before departure I got to pick my housing offered by the program and filled out a questionnaire about me to be matched with roommates with the best fit. I knew I would be far from my family and friends from home, so it was incredibly important to me to be surrounded by new friends and a strong support system. 

Not only did I connect amazingly with my flat mates but I got to meet so many walks of life inside and outside the program. People I never would have been able to meet without this experience. I still remember the first night meeting my flat mates. It was the first day everyone moved in. We lived in the student residence. We spent the night introducing ourselves and meeting other students in our building.  

We also planned on going together to the first CEA CAPA event. This event was put on during the first week upon arrival. It almost seemed like every question you could possibly have was answered here. What apps to use, how to use transportation, etc. Being a student from America, public transportation is not something I am used to. Especially in Florida, we are very car oriented here. Most places are not walkable either. I was amazed my first week CEA CAPA walked us through how to use the public transportation, and it was a breeze. I could pick up quickly and it made me more comfortable when traveling to other countries. This is also coming from someone who has never used public transportation before.  

There is Always a Helping Hand 

Our day trip to Costa Brava

Whenever you needed help with anything CEA was there for you. During my first month in Barcelona my friends and I wanted to go to Costa Brava. It is known to be a beautiful beach on the outskirts of Barcelona. After doing some research we were still unclear what was the best, fastest, and cheapest way to get there. We ended up reaching out to some CEA staff for help. They told us exactly what to do. The next weekend we were in Costa Brava and had an amazing time. Speaking of amazing times, you know what isn't?  

Being Sick! This was another thing I was worried about. What happens if you need medical attention? I was so glad the program was always on top of this. I had a repeated medical issue I was dealing with prior to departure. It wasn't anything contagious or stopped me from my daily activities, but it definitely was a worry of mine to have to deal with away from home. CEA CAPA was always one call away. You could call or email asking for medical attention and right away they would make you a doctor's appointment. The offices were always close by and made so easy for you. I was so glad to be with a program who took care of their students.  

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone 

Barcelona soccer game

Our trip to the pyrenees

Thanks to CEA CAPA, I got to do things I never would have done on my own. Even though I was stepping out of my comfort zone by going abroad, I was influenced more throughout my entire time studying abroad. Thanks to CEA I got to attend a Barcelona soccer game! This really helped me experience new cultures and I had a blast doing so. I also got to explore the Pyrenees! This was something I probably would never have had a chance to do. This exploration is not an everyday activity. CEA also made it possible for me to go to Madrid. I was able to learn so much. Not only was I learning but I was with my friends. I was able to gain so many memories just from the trips CEA CAPA gave to us. I will forever be grateful for that.  

My Advice for you 

The best advice I can give someone thinking about doing anything is to just do it! If you are thinking about going abroad, just do it! When I arrived home from studying abroad, I was able to see the world a little differently. I still feel pushed to reach for bigger and better things in my life. Before I left, I was having a hard time with school. Now I have learned there is so much more than being stressed about a test. I did nothing but overthink before going for it. Sometimes you have to put your fears aside to experience life at its fullest potential. If you are thinking of going abroad with CEA CAPA, just do it! I do not regret any choice I made. If I could do it all over again, I would. I was able to see the world. Create strong bonds with new people and new places. Because of CEA CAPA, Barcelona will forever hold a special place in my heart. I was able to find my “home away from home.”