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

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.