CEA to Participate in Paris Symposium

CEA Global Education Solutions is pleased to co-sponsor an important international symposium “A World in Danger: Financial Mismanagement, State Regulation and Ethical Necessity” to take place in Paris (at the Luxembourg Palace) on Monday, June 15.

The symposium explores the current crisis that is “truly global, both because all actors everywhere – both state and non-state – have been involved and because every aspect of human activity – economic, political, social, cultural, and environmental – has been affected.” CEA's own Dr. Scott Blair, a professor and the Associate Academic Dean at CEA’s GlobalCampus in Paris, will be presenting at the symposium on the topic of American Exceptionalism: Review and Prospects.

With so much said today about the existence of the international community, CEA feels that it is important to join in this conversation to reexamine how we, as a whole, actually define the common values that are so often evoked. Issues regarding sustainable development, global financial management, and global resources have been thrust into the spotlight during these difficult economic times. Without frank discussions, any talk of the shared heritage of global resources will be but empty rhetoric and will place our world in danger.

For more information about this symposium, please view the program (in English) or visit Chaos International's blog at http://chaosinternational.blogspot.com (in French).

There's Still Time for Summer 2009!

Just imagine smelling fresh baked bread wafting from bakeries as you catch the metro on your way to class in Paris. Listen to the zooming of scooters pass you by as you walk to class in Rome. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin during an afternoon on the beach in Barcelona; of course after your class is done: are you imaging it? NOW THAT’S STUDYING ABROAD!

The crazy thing is you still have time to make these mental images a reality this summer! Some destinations still have a few $500 study abroad grants remaining – so you can get in now, save money, and be abroad before you get summer tan lines. Just fill in your information on the Late Summer Applications page and a CEA Advisor will get in touch with you quickly – or call us at 1-800-266-4441.

CEA has posted a list of Summer 2009 programs that are accepting late applications. Check out all of the fascinating places you could spend your summer. CEA's got programs that range from Intensive Language courses to Business, Art and more. Your best bet is to call an advisor today, because grants and deadlines are creeping up fast and its first come, first served. Before you know it, you will be studying abroad with CEA this summer for real, and not just dreaming about it.

You can afford to study abroad… with a grant from CEA

You want to study abroad, but you don’t think you can afford it. The folks have tightened their belts and maybe you’re even wondering if you will be able to stay in school. At CEA, we understand this, and we don't think that a temporary economic situation should come between you and the phenomenal educational experience you will have on your study abroad program. In fact, we’ve talked to people who missed out on this experience and believe us, the regret that comes from not pursing this dream can last a lifetime. So to help, we've taken a couple of steps to make the cost of choosing a CEA study abroad program and investing in your future more financially manageable.

First, we rolled back our Summer 2009 and Fall 2009 program prices to 2008 levels.

Second, we introduced a new grant program that offers a limited number of $500 grants for 2009 summer programs and $1000 off 2009 fall programs (for applications received after March 17th). This offer has encouraged a lot of students who otherwise would have stayed home to move ahead with their study abroad plans. And they are glad they did!

So check out what you can save and the destinations we still have grants available for – but hurry! We’re running low on available grants in most locations. Follow us on Twitter, so you can get the latest updates on the remaining grant amounts on a daily basis or call 1-800-266-4441 to speak to a CEA Admissions Counselor and get all of the details.

Given the popularity of the Summer and Fall grant offer, we are now introducing the same grant offer for Spring 2010 semester & trimester programs. It is important to note that, just like the Fall & Summer grants, these are on a first come, first serve basis. That means there are only a limited number of grants available for each destination and when they're gone, that's it.

Besides getting a great deal on your study abroad program, signing up now for Spring 2010 also gives you plenty of time to plan, find airfare, get your courses approved for credit transfer, and make arrangements for your housing situation at your home campus before the 2009-2010 school year starts. To find your program, use our Study Abroad Search Wizard

Guadalajara is not Tijuana

Violence in Mexico has been driving lots of headlines recently, which brings up the essential question: "Is it safe to study abroad in Guadalajara?" The short answer is "Absolutely."

For perspective, it might help to start by considering that Guadalajara is farther from Tijuana (on the U.S. border) than Tijuana is from the U.S.-Canadian border. (It's true - check it out on your atlas!) The news-making violence has been largely confined to border towns, and those areas have never been a part of CEA's programs or excursions. Since the great majority of CEA students who study abroad in Guadalajara fly there (which is strongly recommended), getting to Guadalajara to start a study abroad program isn't a safety concern either.

Equally important is Guadalajara itself. It's a friendly, international community with lots of expats, including two huge nearby English-speaking enclaves. In CEA's time, there's never been any violence, direct or indirect, that's affected our students. Some of the staff members say they feel safer there than just about any city in the world.

And finally, CEA does its best to prepare students in Guadalajara, just as it does everywhere. Right off the bat, the onsite orientation advises students on steps to take to protect their personal safety and security in a foreign city. Directors have an open-door policy and can be contacted 24/7 by students and parents, and it's super easy to get a CEA cellphone. Even if students want to head out and explore the countryside around Guadalajara, the onsite staff is there to assist in the nitty-gritty like travel and accommodations.

Bottom line, Guadalajara is definitely a safe destination for study abroad. The watchword, as always in cities in any country, comes down to common sense: Exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Breakaway Opportunity

If you're a college men's soccer player who wants to take your game to the next level and earn college credit at the same time, CEA's "Play Soccer and Study Abroad" program (July 1-August 4) is better than a hat trick into the top corner for a goal. You'll study abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, while training and playing competitive soccer against top professional clubs, academy, and reserve teams from around South America. The program includes instruction from two top college-level, local guest coaches, training facility access to River Plate Club Atlético, and exposure to international scouts and professional teams that you can't get anywhere in the States.

Off the field, you can choose between a beginning or intermediate Spanish language course, or a Comparative History of Argentina & Latin America (taught in English), both offered at the prestigious University of Belgrano. Courses meet about 3 or 4 hours a day, generally 4 days per week. (Note: If you're only interested in the soccer, there is a "play only" option available.)

And when you're just kickin' it around the city, Buenos Aires is one of South America's chicest destinations--it's a European-style city famous for its diverse, multinational population, vibrant culture, and great food.

Don't delay… it's the 2nd half and the game clock is at 44! To qualify for the July 1 session, the $300 non-refundable confirmation deposit is due to CEA by April 1, 2009. Visit http://www.gowithcea.com/soccer for addition details on what's included, who's eligible, and how to apply; then, contact us by chat, email or call 1-800-266-4441. You don't want to miss this opportunity.

City of Light Shines for LGBT

You already know that Paris boasts a proud tradition in arts, culture and cuisine, but did you know it also has one of the world's most vibrant LGBT communities? With the partnership of University of Wisconsin - La Crosse and CEA's "Explore Gay Paris" study abroad program, you can gain greater insight and understanding, plus exposure to an unmatched gay scene. Spend a month this summer in the Marais district, the location of CEA's GlobalCampus in the heart of Gay Paris.

The session runs from May 26 to June 29 (yep, perfectly timed for Paris's June 27 Gay Pride Parade & Festival!). The 6-credit academic program includes two courses examining various concepts of gender and identity studies through a historical and contemporary framework: "Introduction to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Studies" is taught by Sara Sullivan and Willem Van Roosenbeek from UW-L, while "Gay Paris: Culture, Society & Urban Sexual Identity" is taught by CEA GlobalCampus: Paris faculty member, Emilie Johnson Joly. In addition, you'll enjoy one overnight weekend excursion and one daytrip outside of Paris, weekly social activities with other UW System and CEA students, and fully-furnished apartment housing with like-minded students, fully immersed in French culture.

Apply before March 31, 2009, and you'll be eligible for a $300 study abroad grant. With a closure date of April 1, what are you waiting for? For additional application, eligibility and program details go to http://www.gowithcea.com/UWL or call CEA at 1-800-266-4441.

Kick Things Off With French Boot Camp Program



You won't be doing any pushups or marching at CEA's French Boot Camp, but it's an awesome way to get your language skills battle-ready. Hosted at the CEA GlobalCampus in Paris, this high-energy two-week session immerses you in the French language, lifestyle and culture before semester programs begin.

It's perfect if you're scheduled for a tour of duty in Paris, Grenoble, Aix-en-Provence, or the French Riviera during the fall or spring semester… but it's also available for anyone enrolled in a CEA semester or year program who simply wants to take their French skills up a couple of notches. You'll earn 3 credit hours of French during two weeks of Monday-Thursday Beginning French I or Intermediate French Conversation classes, five hours per day, plus some seriously cool cultural immersion activities during off hours. With transportation from the airport and shared apartment housing, the price is right on target.

Requirements are a minimum GPA of 2.5, beginner or high intermediate French proficiency, and you need to have gotten your high school degree by the time the session starts. Sign up by June 9, 2009, for the August 6-21 session, or by October 30, 2009, for the January session.