Running a Marathon While Studying Abroad in France

A post from a student in one of our study abroad programs in France.

On Sunday, April 20th, 2008, when most of my group mates were just getting ready to go to bed, I was waking up before the sun to start stretching. When I arrived in Antibes to study at CERAM-EAI in the French Riviera with CEA, I never thought that at any point I would be running a half marathon, but when Kristin, our director, said that there was a race in Nice, I figured it would be a great idea to get into shape since I wasn't doing any other physical activity. I signed up to do the 10k race, and began to train for it. I'll admit I was setting my sights a little high for it being my first race, but I figured I could do it. After about a month of on-again off-again training, it was finally one week until the race, and my knees were bugging me. I decided to rest that week for the big race, and hope that it was all for the better. Kristin and Gerry picked Noah and I up, and we headed off to the race. We ran in a group and were talking about the possibility of Noah and I continuing after the 10k for the whole half marathon, or 21k, to see if we could do it. I decided by the 4th kilometer that I was going to go the distance, but I did have to finish the 10k first before I could do the whole race. I went through the 10k finish, got back onto the race path, and continued to run. I had to play catch-up with the group because when I finished the 10k, they continued on the path, but I did end up catching up with Noah and almost Kristin, to finish the Marathon in 2:08:42. I was extremely pleased with finishing that quickly, for it being my first race ever and only training for the 10k! The program here has been excellent, especially since I live 50 meters from the Mediterranean sea, but I also think I found a new hobby that I can really appreciate, thanks to the experiences offered by my program. This semester will definitely be one to remember.

Joshua Kearns

CEA French Riviera Sophia Antipolis, Spring 2008

Use This Earth Day to Make a Difference With Your Study Abroad

Earth day is April 22nd. What a perfect opportunity to take stock of what you are doing to make this world a better place for today, and the future! Our melting world is one of many issues that require our generation’s immediate attention, leaving us as individuals with two options: do something about it or wait for someone else to. Just by checking out this blog, I’m guessing you’re not the type of person to sit around wait for somebody else to do something. But did you know, choosing the right study abroad program could be a great place to start.

I wish we could all save the world today. While there are many things we can do today to cope with the existing problems we all face, a more practical approach is to also start building the intellectual foundations necessary to grapple with such complex problems. For example, if you’re interested in learning more about the environmental aspects of global warming you can check out CEA’s Climate Change, Sustainability and Energy Policy study abroad program in Brighton (England) or our Global Warming and Sustainable Development study abroad program in Madrid. But the consequences of this transformation do not solely affect just our planet’s climate. So if you’re inclined to explore the economic and social aspects of global warming, you should consider our Green Collar Business course in Paris or courses like “Environmental Impact and Social Development” or “Tropical Marine Biology” in Costa Rica, among others.

You recycle your soda cans and swap out as many incandescent light bulbs as possible, but your understanding on what role you can play will be incomplete until you actually get out there and see what’s going on. Many of our courses and programs will give you the opportunity to put theory into practice and witness first hand some of the ecological damage already taking place. But it’s the people that matter most. Meeting and hanging out with folks from different parts of the globe is not only fun, it also makes you realize that we can’t resolve any of these problems on our own. This extended amount of time in another country will compel you to redefine human relations, the way our world functions, and your role in it.

Celebrate the Earth by signing up for Green focused courses with CEA. To learn more about your options, give us a call at 1-800-266-4441.

Last chance for Tropical Ecology program in Costa Rica

The Introduction to Tropical Ecology Maymester study abroad program has been very popular among students interested in Ecology, Biology, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, and Sustainability. It’s also perfect for those simply interested in learning more about the natural world. Currently, the program is still accepting applications, but the deadline is approaching fast.

The program consists of an intensive 3-Week course, taught in English, focused on an introduction to Tropical Ecology. Each day, the class offers two parts - classroom instruction and a field study component. Since Costa Rica hosts more than 5% of the earth’s plant and animal species and 1/3 of the country is protected land, the field studies cover a wide range of topics and incorporate field trips, taking students all around the country (which is slightly smaller than West Virginia).

This program is a beautiful introduction to the study of Tropical Ecology and Costa Rica at large, and is only available through CEA study abroad programs. The program runs from May 17^th to June 7^th. But with CEA, you get more than just an academic program. Check out the full list of what’s included with your program price.

Jillian Peters, a 2007 program participant says, “This is wonderful trip for those wishing to experience the real beauty of Costa Rica. We explored off of the beaten track and saw the diversity of the whole country.”

To get started, call 1-800-266-4441 and you’ll be assigned your very own enrollment advisor to help you through every step of the application and course pre-approval process. This is one program that you don’t want to miss!

Apply Now to Study Abroad and Win Free Airfare to Europe this Summer

The next 25 completed applications will be automatically eligible to win*! Apply now for any of our summer study abroad programs in Europe and be eligible to win free airfare to your destination of study**. Picture it - this summer you could be studying art in the beautiful French countryside of Provence. Let your artistic skills marinate with the picturesque surroundings of the south of France. Maybe your major is Business, Economics, or Political Science . . . our programs in Berlin this summer cater to the aspiring professional looking to play a leading roll in the geopolitical landscape of the future. Perhaps earning credits toward your degree in Marketing while spending your time in the embrace of the summer sun and exciting landscape of Barcelona is more to your liking. No matter what your major, CEA has a study abroad program and destination that will fit your needs.

Once the 25th eligible application is submitted, CEA will randomly select one entry to receive free airfare through CEA’s travel partner, AdTrav.

But remember this offer is only available for a limited time, so act fast before time runs out!
Apply Online Now

*Must apply to one of CEA’s 2008 Summer programs in Europe and must use promo code “EuroAir08” - Click to view official Rules

CEA Announces Winner in The Study Abroad Photography Contest

And the winner is . . . . . Jedd Ticar currently studying with CEA in Granada, Spain! Jedd’s winning entry was #19 in a line-up of 21 incredible study abroad photo albums. With an overwhelming 870 votes, Jedd’s album won her the $250 grand prize and a showcase in the 2009-2010 CEA Viewbook, being distributed on campuses next year all over the US! Congratulations Jedd! With views of downtown Granada, incredible shots of the Albaicin, views of Seville and Cordoba during CEA sponsored excursions and the amazing celebrations that take place in Granada during Semana Santa, this winning album is not to be missed.

Our 2008 spring students exceeded our expectations and submitted 21 albums, full of stunning shots of their host cities, their excursion experiences and more. Almost 2,500 votes were cast over the course of the voting week! As all photos were taken through our students’ own perspectives, it’s obvious that studying abroad means something personal and something different to everyone. We loved seeing shots from Buenos Aires, Paris, Granada, Cork, the French Alps, Florence, the French Riviera, Aix-en-Provence, Rome, Seville, London, San Jose, Sydney and Barcelona, representing more than half of CEA’s 26 study abroad destinations around the globe!

By the way, the 1^st runner up was the Aix-en-Provence entry #13 album, shot by Christina Reynier with 759 votes.

View the winning photo album on the CEA Study Abroad Photography Blog. Thanks to everyone who submitted and voted. The summer photography contest will begin in July, so look on the CEA website for details about voting!

Vote Now! CEA Spring 2008 Study Abroad Photography Contest

The submissions are in – Now it’s time to vote for the winner. They say a picture is worth a thousand words – it’s also worth $250 for one of our talented student photographers.

Our 2008 spring students have taken some amazing shots this semester. Now they’ve been challenged to compete for the winning photo album, and they want you to cast your vote!

Picture studying abroad . . . the amazing beauty of the Alhambra in Granada . . . the blanket of lavender in the countryside of Aix-en-Provence . . . the majestic ancient architecture of Rome . . . the world-renowned opera house of Sydney. Don’t take our word for it – see for yourself all that study abroad has to offer through this unique compilation through our students’ lenses.

View these photo albums on the CEA Study Abroad Photography Blog. The deadline for voting is Friday, March 28th so don’t wait! The winning photo(s) will be featured on the CEA website and in the 2009-2010 CEA Study Abroad Viewbook and the winner will receive a$250 award.

Stay tuned . . . the results will be announced on April 1st!

Don't miss out on your study abroad experience - spaces are filling quickly!

Apply Online Now

Get a $250 Flight Voucher When You Apply For Study Abroad

You must hurry - this offer is only good for 6 days! So apply online for one of our study abroad programs in Latin America this summer to receive a $250 voucher for your airfare, redeemable through AdTrav, CEA's student travel partner.

Picture it - just a few months from now you could be taking classes in Buenos Aires, San Jose, or Guadalajara. Whether you are a business major, interested in gaining a global perspective or you’re looking to get a leg up on the competition you face getting into med-school by enrolling in our Spanish For Health Care program, you’ll find your match in one of our many academic programs in San Jose, Costa Rica. The Intensive Spanish Language programs in Argentina and Mexico are perfect for students looking to put their language proficiency into high-gear. So whatever your interest, study abroad with CEA in Latin America and earn transfer credit while doing something different this summer.

Available Summer 2008 Study Abroad Programs in Latin America

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Intensive Spanish Language

San Jose, Costa Rica
Business and Economics
Environmental Studies
Intensive Spanish Language
Spanish for Health Care
Spanish Language, Liberal Arts & Sciences

Guadalajara, Mexico
Intensive Spanish Language
Spanish Language & Mexican Culture

But remember this offer is only available for a limited time, so act fast before time runs out!
Apply Online Now