“The support of CEPA is quite impressive from the early development stages, through recruitment, and implementation once we were in Europe. The coordinators in all of our locations are kind and very patient with all of the questions asked by my USA students. The coordinators enthusiasm to discuss culture, practical skills and integration was extremely helpful for my group to truly integrate during our program. The balance of visits between science, government, history, and culture were a perfect combination. My students always learn more than they ever imagined.
CEPA support is truly available 24/7 during the program. We had a few unexpected medical needs, and CEPA staff traveled to the clinics, translated with the medical team, and provided guidance to fill prescriptions at the pharmacy. During these medical visits, the rest of my group was fully covered with other CEPA team members. Regardless of the situation, CEPA was there to make sure the program continued as planned.
It’s difficult for me to put into words the impact of CEPA on my students, and as I reflect on my response it brings tears to my eyes. At the beginning of my program every year, I tell students they will return to the USA a different person. Their minds will expand, their hearts will be filled, they gain compassion for others, and they acknowledge different approaches to life. In these few short weeks abroad, my students laugh until their sides ache, they gain friendships that last a lifetime, and they gain confidence in themselves to travel the world with awe and wonder. Thank you CEPA for continuing your legacy of creating educational programs abroad.”
Heather W. Dunn, Assistant Professor, Department of Bioengineering