Jill E. Blondin, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Global Initiatives
Virginia Commonwealth University
UCSD Students Explored Climate Narrative in Copenhagen
During the summer of 2025, CEPA welcomed a cohort of UC San Diego students in Denmark for their five-week Global Seminar titled “Storytelling for a Changing Planet”
Students traded their classroom for Copenhagen, focusing on sustainability and media.
Their program centered around how narrative techniques could be used to address the global climate crisis. Participants examined Denmark’s unique approach to urban ecology, which included a site visit to CopenHill, a waste-to-energy power plant famously topped with an artificial ski slope.
Throughout the program, students engaged with local media outlets and conducted field interviews to better understand Danish climate initiatives. By the end of the summer, students had produced a series of storytelling projects that translated complex environmental data into compelling human-interest reports.
“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
Clemson University
“The Place of the Lion: Venice as a Renaissance”
in Venice, Italy
December 28, 2024 – January 13, 2025 (17 days)
“The trip was great! Thank you so much for all of your work in orchestrating everything. The payments were all done smoothly, and the itineraries were extremely helpful both for me and the students. Similarly, the group dinner was exceptional!
Gioele was also outstanding! We were already discussing possibilities for future classes. Thank you for his appointment to the class.”
“Tuck GIX „Sustainability in French Agriculture Sector”
in France
December 3 – 13, 2024 (11 days)
“We thought that, overall, the work CEPA did this year was excellent. The hotel was amazing- everyone thought it was spacious, located close to so many things. It was great working with you- thank you for all your hard work on this course.”
Medieval Europe and Morocco
January 4 – 24, 2024
College of Arts and Sciences
Bethel UniversityMezquita-Catedral de Córdoba
“I have been working with CEPA since 2018…
and the experience has been uniformly excellent! I have led study-abroad programs for my university (UC San Diego) in Geneva and Bern in Switzerland, and Reykjavik, Iceland; the team at CEPA has been a valued and trusted partner. Our collaboration has been professional, courteous, and expertly-managed. They are thoughtful, supportive, and highly attentive to program and instructor needs. They are willing to go the extra distance to ensure that my program and my students are well taken care of throughout our adventures. Moreover, they are generous with their time and understanding of the challenges that we face as educators leading an international program. I am thrilled with our relationship and I look forward to many years working with CEPA!”
Geoff Cook
Teaching Professor
UC San Diego
Scripps Institute of Oceanography
“I’ve been fortunate to work with CEPA since 2015.”
“In that time, every person I’ve interacted with at CEPA—from the program directors, in-country travel coordinators, and senior leadership—has been the utmost professional and focused on making my students and my experience positive and enjoyable.
Over the years, my program and itinerary have changed based on student feedback, with input from me as the faculty lead, and with the guidance and support from the team at CEPA. They have followed up on my requests and have often proposed alternative visits and tours that I didn’t know existed. They really are partners in this process, and I find their input invaluable in delivering unique experiences for my students.
The word “customized” is in their name, and in my experience, they live up to the billing as my program is not only customized each year but also cultivated and curated. What more could you ask for from a travel provider?”
Bennett Cherry, Ph.D.
Professor of Management & Entrepreneurship
Faculty Program Director, Temecula BSBA
NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative
College of Business Administration
California State University San Marcos
“Reliability and Business Excellence – Global Perspectives”
2014 – 2023
I’ve been working with CEPA for almost a decade with student programs in Germany (Munich, Hamburg, and Stuttgart), Austria (Vienna), and Switzerland (Zurich). They have always been friendly, and professional and have consistently delivered on program expectations. The numerous trips were well planned which included requested visits to select companies, hotels, classrooms, cultural dinners, and required transportation. The College of Engineering students have benefited from learning in best-practice companies and gaining knowledge and understanding from the overall international experiences. Many students still keep in contact and say that the overseas experiences helped them get internships, and jobs after graduation and by far was the best class with great memories.
Dr. Klaus M. Blache
“Germany is Wunderbar: Castles, Culture, Food and Fun in Germany”
May 2023
“Here are all the positive aspects of working with CEPA:
- Pre-trip planning was excellent
- Communication was incredible
- The daily plans were great – right down to the time needed
- The local guides were a nice feature and helped me a lot. I could focus on academics and my students.
- CEPA took care of all problems immediately
- The bus transfers worked flawlessly, and the drivers were very nice
- The Munich City hostel was a great place to stay with good public transport connections. I had picked a different hostel but this one was better – thanks!
- The guide in Berchtesgaden was an incredible local resource
- Birgitt was also excellent – she got us into places that others could not have because of her persistence. Both Birgitt and Debby went beyond the expected.
Overall it was a great experience for all.”
“International Marketing” in Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein
May 2023
“It was so much fun to learn about different cultures and places! I enjoyed my time so much and I felt like I got so much out of this experience.”
“International Marketing” in Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein
May 2023
“Everything was perfect besides the small “complaints” explained in the previous questions. I always felt safe, happy, comfortable, and excited throughout. I am extremely glad I went through with attending this program.”
“Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies” in France
March 2023
“Throughout the CEPA-planned trip, my colleagues and I had the occasion to reflect on what a huge difference a competent and carefully constructed itinerary made—not to mention a reliable and talented staff.
From the initial planning stages to the updated itineraries, I felt like I knew what was going on; my suggestions and concerns were taken into account; my questions were answered promptly. As you might guess, this was not my experience in the fall semester. As a result, I am keenly aware of how fortunate I was to be working with you all.
As a result of your work and the on-site coordinators, our trip was both a complete academic success and highly enjoyable. Again, I simply want to thank you for making the extra effort to bring the trip together in a time span that was, I know, much shorter than CEPA usually does. You have both my respect and my gratitude for a job well done.
I look forward to the next time that I can work with CEPA.”
“German Autos meets Deutsche Kultur” in Germany
January 6-15, 2023
“This is a unique tour because we spend time in the DHBW (Duale Hochschule Baden-Wuerttemberg) classroom.” The local professor “helps make this an excellent experience every year. We plan to continue coming on this tour every year.”
Environmental Economics in Copenhagen, Denmark
November 17-24, 2022
“This was a life-changing opportunity for many of our students. Everything was well-organized and well-put together. I would travel with and send students on trips with CEPA every semester if I could!”
“NFL in Germany”
November 2022
“Studying abroad with CEPA has been one of the best experiences of my time at UF. I loved Munich and the things I learned while there!”
Business of Renewable Energy, Germany, and Iceland
May 16 – 29, 2022
“The trip was really fantastic. I could not have asked for anything more with my first trip, and the sentiment is reflected in my students’ comments. Thanks for your great work.”
The Influence of J.S. Bach and G.F. Handel on Sacred Music in Germany and England between 1700 and 1750
May 14 -29, 2022
“This experience is something treasurable I wish others to experience for those who have a passion for music, education, and people. Traveling to another country, learning about their cultures, and seeing the historic places where Bach and Handel lived and worked gave me a greater appreciation for Western European music and all it has impacted.”
Medicine, Microbiology, and Health in the United Kingdom
May 7 – 27, 2022
“I would say it was a great success! We had one positive covid case on the LAST day (thank god). The coordinators were great, weather was surprisingly good. Huge THANKS for putting this together again outstanding CEPA trip. Covid certainly made it a bit more challenging with more short-term planning and a little less fine-tuning, but all was good. ” Read Student Testimonials and Feedback
Biomedicine and Global Professional Development in France and Germany
May 7 – 27, 2022
“The final assignment (for my students) was to write a reflection paper on the program, highlighting what they learned, and how they changed individually, they could include entries from their daily journals if they wanted to share, and to provide advice for students considering a study abroad program in the future.
Read a compilation of unedited excerpts from the reflection papers. I found their comments to be enlightening, and I hope you enjoy them.
Thank you all for your help and support in getting this program out the door, even with the challenges we faced along the way. I’m working with CEPA for the new BME 2023 itinerary.”
Heather W. Dunn, Ph.D.
University Research Assistant Professor Department of Bioengineering,
Clemson University
Engineering Economics and Globalization and Technology in Germany
March 12 – 19, 2022
“Working with CEPA was a great experience, and Julia was really wonderful, understanding, helpful, and kind. She helped make organizing and leading a study abroad trip for the first time a positive experience that I’m looking forward to doing again.
We learned a lot about what our students are interested in, what aspects of the trip most helped them grow as people and professionals, and what they wanted/needed more of to help improve the experience for them. Based on what we learned, we will make some changes for next time.”
University of Florida in Germany: Kinesiology and Engineering
March 5 – 13, 2022
Unofficial English translation:
University of Florida Student Group Visit
This year’s trip to Germany by students of the University of Florida with two professors and a coordinator of the CEPA took them to the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences in addition to visits to Heidelberg and the Technical University of Munich. The focus here was on the exchange on the topics of medical technology and mechanical engineering. Students of the Department of Engineering Sciences showed the visitors of the seventh-largest university in the USA the various laboratories; Afterwards, we went to the new rock bouldering wall on the Rüsselsheim campus, where the students were given an introduction by Jürgen Prediger and his team.
Expanding International Education Horizons
In-depth tours for individual interested parties in the laboratories of medical technology and the racing team of the Scuderia Mensa could be realized. Several of the students from Florida are involved in the racing team of the University of Florida and studied the current car with great interest. “Here, even more, intensive contacts will certainly be established, in which both teams can learn from each other – and that’s exactly what you do such exchange trips for! International understanding is a good that should not be underestimated, and the international expansion of the educational horizon is certainly one of the most important tasks of a university at the moment,” says the Vice Dean of the Department Prof. Dr. Ulrike Stadtmüller.
Virtual Experience with CEPA
HR Practices in China – January 2021
“I thought the session went well, and was extremely interesting and informative. The students and I chatted briefly afterward and they were positive about the experience and enthusiastic for what is to come next. I think this is an excellent model.
This was not just an opportunity for technology to mitigate the unfortunate necessities of the pandemic, but to foster a new way of learning. The magnitude of a live interaction with a guest 7,300 miles away was not lost on me.
I’m already looking forward to our next session!”
“Thank you so much for all your effort in arranging the logistics for our study abroad trip in Italy. The tour guides in Bologna, Verona, and Milano were truly wonderful. Each guide shared their knowledge and passion for their cities with us and enriched our experience.
The site visits showing excellence and innovation in the Italian business were as interesting as they were educational. […]
Last but not least, the hotel accommodations and transportation arrangements were seamless. I travel enough to know that logistics and transfers can often be the most difficult challenge. Every time we changed locations or traveled outside the city to a site visit, a bus or van magically appeared. The details all fell into place thanks to your behind the scene effort.
Our trip was a resounding success. On behalf of our entire class, please accept my sincere thanks.”
UAB in Italy Study Abroad Blog: https://www.uabinitaly.org/about
“For future students, do not feel scared or worried about your time going abroad. You will gain a truley wonderful and positive experience that will remind you to always take a break, breathe, and let loose.
Remember to have fun, explore, and venture out into a new territory with your group.”
“Garry Menendez – my faculty colleague and last year’s trip coordinator to Spain/Portugal – and I have discussed at length our experiences working with CEPA these last two years. To say that we have been pleased would be a serious understatement. The professionalism and diligence of your team on the planning side and the tour coordinators on the execution side have given me and Garry the peace of mind we need to focus on delivering the academic mission of our program. The result is an experience for our students that is logistically smooth and academically rich. Fulfilled students make it much easier for us to recruit resources and participants for future programs.”
“Recommended to those who want to have the experience of a lifetime. Have nothing but great things to say about this program. Blessed to be a part of this journey these last 2 weeks. I thank you an everyone else for the moments we shared together. God bless!”
“I wanted to write to you all to thank you for the amazing experience you coordinated for me and my students in Strasbourg and Heidelberg in May. I have taught study abroad courses several times in the past, but this one was by far the most impactful. The trip was one I will not forget, and I know that it has changed my students in countless ways.”
Thank you so much for working with our Office of International Education to craft a trip for these Wisconsin students that they will remember for the rest of their lives. And thank you, too, for being so sensitive to the aims of my course and seeking out only the best people and experiences to guide us through our learning objectives.
“I think the program went very smoothly, and there really were no problems.
Also, a word about Sarah (CEPA coordinator). She was FANTASTIC. The students absolutely adored her, and she was so flexible with our schedule and our needs. She was able to constantly give good recommendations during downtime, and really went above and beyond what I had ever anticipated. She was a joy to work with, and I felt so lucky to have had such a positive experience.
The whole program, thanks to CEPA, went so smoothly. I absolutely could not have done this without you all. You all were so accommodating to me, as a first time organizer who had no idea what I was doing. I really appreciated all the solid organizing you all did on my behalf to help ensure this program went so well. I will be singing your accolades to my colleagues!
I’m super excited to start planning for next year, and I anticipate It being a more smooth process now that I have figured it all out once.”
“This trip was so much easier to organize because of the CEPA assistance. The staff and guides were professional, helpful and personable at the same time.”
“This program has been very educational and is packed with excellent tours and excursions. It definitely helped me learn and see more of Berlin than I would have been able to travelling alone.”
“The program was very well organized. The itinerary provided me with peace of mind and comfort about the trip. Kapi was great but at times provided too much information.”
“This was truly a one in a lifetime opportunity. I have seen so much these past few days. I would most definitely participate in a CEPA program in the near future. This trip will be one that I will never forget!”
“I absolutely recommend studying abroad to everyone; pushing yourself outside your comfort zone with the help of CEPA is the way to go!”
“This program was excellent and exposed me to many new aspects of European culture while teaching me a whole lot about the EU and other governments.”
“What I learned simply cannot be summed up in a few sentences but it was a truly incredible experience. This program was centered around a topic that I am passionate about and was a length that was perfect for me, I would absolutely choose the same program if I were to go back and do it again.” (Read full review on abroad101 »)
“CEPA is a wonderful partner for North American colleges and universities, helping faculty design a variety of short-term programs in Europe for undergraduate and graduate students.
From excellent site visits, local lecturers, to student services, CEPA is there to support the international initiatives of US and Canadian institutions. Uli Leibrecht has assembled a magnificent team that will take that “great idea” about a faculty-led program in Europe and make it a reality.
CEPA is small enough to be personal and still large enough to offer a broad range of services and options.”
“It was a wonderful experience for all of us. Several of the students have stopped by my office or texted me since our return. They are just bubbling over with enthusiasm and excitement. It has truly been life changing for all of us. I look forward to more of these adventures with the staff at CEPA.”
“Our whole program ran wonderfully. Our CEPA on-site coordinator was a wonderful addition to our group and extremely helpful! Every one of our stops were executed perfectly and all of the students and faculty were engaged and expressed that this was a unique and possibly life changing experience. I would like to personally thank Silke (CEPA Program Manager) for helping to make this trip a reality. Without CEPA and her work I doubt that our first study abroad trip would have been so successful. Thank you CEPA!”
“I absolutely loved this trip. It was eye-opening, fun and filled with tons of valuable experience for both professional and everyday life. I would recommend this program to everyone because of its content, experiences and the lessons that were learned.”
“This program was amazing! Very informative and life-changing. Also, it was very well-organized and well-planned. Thank you, CEPA, for the opportunity!”
“Honestly, when I started this course I had a bad experience with another provider and was resistant to using one. I was told CEPA was good last year and thought I’d give you a try. I have been EXTREMELY SATISFIED with the high quality work you do, the processes, your preparation, and how we keep it affordable for students. I am thankful for your work and doubt this trip would happen with anyone else.”
“I want to thank you personally for putting together such a wonderful program. The students and I really enjoyed every single aspect of the program. The guides were great! The company visits were on point and the cultural visits were amazing. I’m really satisfied with the program. Thanks for such a wonderful job!”
“The program was fantastic. The visits to the design centers were amazing and the students and I got so much out of them, I wish more students could have attended and experienced them. The walking tours were great as well (London and Oxford). The guides really knew their stuff and were very good with the group. Mariola was a great coordinator who was very patient with some of the members in our group. She was very knowledgeable of London and was a great help in directing the student around town. […]
Again it was a great program and experience that the group will remember for the rest of their lives. Thank you for all the work that you have done at your end to make this happen. They faculty here are already planning next years program.”
About
Since 1997, CEPA has focused on building collaborative partnerships and creating meaningful study abroad experiences for students throughout Europe.
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