CEA Study Abroad Student Blog
Who doesn’t love free things? Well, this trip to Granada was not exactly free, but it was included in the CEA Madrid program, so why not take advantage of an awesome trip? Recently, CEA Madrid students were given the opportunity to travel to Granada, Spain for a weekend getaway. While the weather was less than ideal, we still made the most of a rainy weekend in the south of Spain. We started the weekend off with a walking tour around Granada. We explored the city with umbrellas in…
Curiosity and creativity lie at the core of who I am as a cognitive science major. The field is unique in that it is a blend of many disciplines. It encompasses psychology, philosophy, computer science, and more, and integrates them into a comprehensive major for those who want to learn it all. In many ways, I have found Barcelona to be a lot like cognitive science. It is a blend of rich culture and history, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and exciting nightlife. I studied abroad to expand my…
For me, one of the most attractive qualities of the CEA Seville study abroad program was the excursions offered. In the past, students have been taken on visits to surrounding cities, like Granada and Cordoba, and other countries, like Morocco and Portugal. I already knew I would want to visit these places; knowing that the trips would be included, convenient, and an opportunity to bond with my fellow peers only further cemented my interest in the program. Recently, our program went on an overnight excursion to Granada. Only…
Ever since starting college, I knew I wanted to study abroad, but I had so many questions. Where? When? With what program? How long? Thanks to the help of my friends and advisor, it became any easy decision. CEA is one of two programs offered for students at Iowa State to study in Barcelona. My friend, Luci, already knew she wanted to study abroad through CEA in Barcelona because she is working on a Spanish minor. After talking with more friends and family, I found out a sorority…
CEA surpassed all of my dreams of what a study abroad program could be. From amazing teachers who want to give you their worldly knowledge to tapas classes taught by some of the best chefs in Barcelona, CEA really had it all. One of my favorite parts of CEA was the AICAP program. Academic Integrated Cultural Activities Programs, helps you connect your experiences outside the classroom with the content you learn in class. For a small deposit, CEA students are given the option to attend additional trips, whether…
My suitcase was under 50 pounds. My travel documents were in check. My boarding pass was in hand. I was ready to take off for Madrid, Spain. Hello, or should I say hola, my name is Cara, and I am the current MOJO Blogger in Madrid for Spring 2018. I always knew I wanted to study abroad in college, and once I declared a minor in Spanish, I knew Spain was the obvious choice for where I should spend a semester of my life. Although I’ve only…
Settling into a new country is no easy feat. That much can be acknowledged right off the bat. You’ve come to learn, to travel, and to see everything your country has to offer. Here are three tips to ensure you’re mentally and physically prepped to enjoy every second of your time abroad: Stay Balanced In those initial days (or weeks) after your arrival, you’ll be full of nervous energy. You’ll likely want to immerse yourself in the culture and experience everything you possibly can “like the locals.” This…