How to Get Started

Choose a Program

CEA offers flexible options that you won't find elsewhere. We offer a variety of different countries, cities, partner institutions, academic programs, and terms from which to choose. Whether you're trying to find courses in your major, take courses in English or study a language... whether you’re looking for a year abroad or just four weeks... whether you’re interested in studying in Europe, Latin America, or Australia... CEA has a program just for you. Use our program finder to look up cities which offer courses for your major, foreign language courses, or courses taught in English, as well as available terms for each city. Ask yourself the questions below to help guide your decision.

Where do I want to go?

• Look through our catalog or visit our website to get a flavor for each country and city where CEA has programs.
• Speak to a CEA Enrollment Advisor. They’ve all studied abroad and can provide great insight and guidance.
• View our short videos.

When do I want to go?

• Choose from semester, trimester, year, summer, and short term programs.
• Check out Dates & Prices to make sure your program fits within your academic calendar.
• Speak to your academic advisor to determine the term that will best complement your school schedule.

What do I want to study?

• Determine what courses you need to take or what academic requirements you need to fulfill. If you’re unsure, speak to your academic advisor on campus. CEA offers three types of courses:
  • Language Immersion - We offer intensive language programs and language and culture programs, many of which require no previous language experience.

  • English Instructed Courses - We offer a variety of academic structures and courses taught in English, including full-curriculum study programs.

  • Courses In Your Major - We offer programs designed around specific areas of study at several of our locations. Full-curriculum programs are also available and cater to students who need to fulfill a specific major requirement.

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Check Your Eligibility

Take this short quiz to make sure you meet the standard CEA eligibility requirements*:

• Am I at least 18 years old?
• Am I a high school graduate or have the equivalency of a high school diploma?
• Do I have a minimum cumulative GPA of a 2.50?

*Higher GPA minimums, course pre-requisites, and cumulative college credits earned may be required depending upon your program selection.

If the answer is yes to all of the above questions, congratulations! You are eligible to attend a CEA program. Make sure to check the specific eligibility criteria for your selected program as additional requirements may apply. Remember, CEA offers many different academic offerings, so whether or not you meet eligibility at first glance, contact a CEA advisor to discuss your options.

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Getting Your Courses Pre-Approved

If you are currently enrolled in a US or Canadian college or university, you will need to visit the Study Abroad Office at your school to discuss your plans to study abroad with CEA. Getting your courses pre-approved by the appropriate academic representative will ensure a smooth transfer of credits after you complete your program. Learn more about transfer credit.

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Securing Your Financing

There are many ways to finance your program – if you plan to use financial aid, speak with a financial aid advisor at your school; if you plan to apply for a CEA scholarship or seek private loan options, research which one is right for you and give yourself plenty of time to submit your application before the deadline; and if you plan to ask your parents, relatives, or family friends for assistance, be sure to discuss your plans with them early and get them involved in the process. CEA also offers scholarship and financial aid information, as well as sample budgets. If you’d like to explore financing alternatives, we have a Financial Aid Advisor on staff who can help.

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