Why did you decide to study abroad with CEA in Spain?
Mark: During my experience studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark it was a Summer program that was organized through Penn State University and taught by professors from our Smeal College of Business who accompanied us to Denmark. This gave me comfortability being with other Penn State students who were also studying abroad for their first time and immersed me with other international students at the Copenhagen Business School. After having an incredible experience in Copenhagen, I looked forward to sharing my second abroad experience with my two best friends in Barcelona, Spain.
What made studying in Barcelona a unique and special experience?
Mark: One of the benefits to going with CEA Global Education was that it was incredibly easy to get housing together. We were placed in an amazing apartment on Gran Via which made the living experience one that we will never forget. I knew many people that were going with CEA which was a big factor in choosing CEA. I found that knowing more people abroad was very beneficial and allowed me to be introduced to other friends and expand my network. Studying with CEA was unique because I was also able to take liberal arts and sciences courses during the semester.
This was a great change of pace from studying business at Penn State. All of my teachers had something fun-loving about them, and our field studies were extremely interesting and a great way to see many different parts of the city and culture of Barcelona during class time. CEA encourages students to travel during the weekends, and therefore does not hold classes of Friday. This always allowed us to use Friday as a travel day, so we were able to see many different European countries and cities that enhanced the overall experience. We also traveled together with CEA to Madrid and Valencia which exposed us to two more beautiful Spanish cities and gave us the opportunity to bond with other students in CEA.
How did this experience impact your future?
Mark: My experiences studying abroad have greatly shaped the person that I am today. Gaining a greater perspective of the global community and recognizing the value in understanding cultures are skills that have made me a better person and student. I have a great desire to work overseas and will continue to spread the word about the benefits of studying abroad. My relationships with my best friends and new friends I made abroad strengthened as we have stories that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Promoting and encouraging the study abroad experience is a great passion of mine that I have enjoyed utilizing at Penn State. Being able to share my story and hopefully influence other students in their decision making is something I take great interest and pride in.
Tell us about your experiences studying abroad.
Mark: During my experience studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark it was a Summer program that was organized through Penn State University and taught by professors from our Smeal College of Business who accompanied us to Denmark. This gave me comfortability being with other Penn State students who were also studying abroad for their first time and immersed me with other international students at the Copenhagen Business School. After having an incredible experience in Copenhagen, I looked forward to sharing my second abroad experience with my two best friends in Barcelona, Spain.
What did CEA do to make this study abroad experience unique and special?
Mark: One of the benefits to going with CEA Global Education was that it was incredibly easy to get housing together. We were placed in an amazing apartment on Gran Via which made the living experience one that we will never forget. I knew many people that were going with CEA which was a big factor in choosing CEA. I found that knowing more people abroad was very beneficial and allowed me to be introduced to other friends and expand my network. Studying with CEA was unique because I was also able to take liberal arts and sciences courses during the semester.
This was a great change of pace from studying business at Penn State. All of my teachers had something fun-loving about them, and our field studies were extremely interesting and a great way to see many different parts of the city and culture of Barcelona during class time. CEA encourages students to travel during the weekends, and therefore does not hold classes of Friday. This always allowed us to use Friday as a travel day, so we were able to see many different European countries and cities that enhanced the overall experience. We also traveled together with CEA to Madrid and Valencia which exposed us to two more beautiful Spanish cities and gave us the opportunity to bond with other students in CEA.
How has your experience in Barcelona impacted your future?
Mark: My experiences studying abroad have greatly shaped the person that I am today. Gaining a greater perspective of the global community and recognizing the value in understanding cultures are skills that have made me a better person and student. I have a great desire to work overseas and will continue to spread the word about the benefits of studying abroad. My relationships with my best friends and new friends I made abroad strengthened as we have stories that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Promoting and encouraging the study abroad experience is a great passion of mine that I have enjoyed utilizing at Penn State. Being able to share my story and hopefully influence other students in their decision making is something I take great interest and pride in.