Students on our ESC Strasbourg semester program in 2027 will have exactly that opportunity as France heads into its next presidential race.

Strasbourg’s unique position as home to the European Parliament makes it an especially rich backdrop for the moment: students will see democracy in action not just on French streets, but against the broader canvas of EU politics, with campaign posters, café debates, and televised candidate showdowns unfolding right outside the classroom.

For students in ESC Strasbourg’s business, political science, or international relations tracks, this is a rare chance to observe French and European electoral systems up close, compare them to processes back home, and deepen their language skills through real-world, high-stakes vocabulary. Faculty advising students on this program may find it a timely hook for coursework on comparative government, EU institutions, or media literacy — turning current events into a living classroom. It’s a powerful reminder of why studying in Strasbourg, especially during a moment like this, offers lessons no textbook can replicate.

Beyond the classroom, students will see democracy in action: campaign posters lining city streets, spirited café debates, televised candidate debates, and the palpable energy of a nation engaged in civic discourse. For students studying political science, international relations, or French language and culture, this is a rare chance to observe European electoral systems up close, compare them to their home country’s political processes, and deepen their language skills through real-world, high-stakes vocabulary.

Faculty leading coursework this semester will find it a timely moment to incorporate discussions on comparative government or media literacy, turning current events into a living classroom. It’s a powerful reminder of why cultural immersion — especially during a moment like this — offers lessons no textbook can replicate.

What are the dates of the next elections? | Service Public

French Presidential Elections 2027: news, videos, reports and analysis – France 24

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July 28, 2026

In a featured interview with CEPA’s Program Manager and Milan native Eleonora Ubaldi, we go behind the scenes of creating an unforgettable design study abroad experience to discover the bridge between the participants and Italian culture.

Eleonora moved to Germany for… and has been a program manager at CEPA since….

Question: Briefly describe what the study abroad program was about, and the process and expert knowledge you used to develop the itinerary for the faculty leader and their students.

The study abroad program immersed students in Milan’s renowned creative culture through visits to industry-leading studios, showrooms, and organizations. It connected classroom learning with real-world practice, allowing participants to engage with professionals, explore innovative spaces, and gain insight into international trends.

The faculty leader had already developed a strong itinerary and clear vision for the program, so my role focused on refining the logistics and bringing that vision to life.

I utilized my expertise in study abroad program planning, destination logistics, and industry networking to coordinate site visits, assess scheduling feasibility, and ensure the itinerary flowed efficiently.

Question: What was the most challenging “puzzle piece” to fit into this itinerary, and how did you solve it?

Probably, it was making adjustments to the travel dates for the Switzerland portion of the program. Through proactive communication and flexibility, I was able to preserve the program’s core academic goals and ensure that the students were still able to have the requested professional experiences.

Question: As a Milan native, what is one “hidden gem” or local tip you included in the itinerary or told them about that isn’t in any of the standard guidebooks, websites, or something only a local would know?

One of my favorite places is the courtyard of the Università degli Studi di Milano. Most tourists walk right past it without realizing what they’re missing, but it’s one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in the city.

I also always tell them not to rush from one famous landmark to another. Milan reveals itself in its courtyards, small galleries, and neighborhood cafés. If you slow down and look beyond the main streets, that’s where you really discover the city’s personality.

Question: How does it feel to show off your hometown through the lens of your professional work? Has this program changed how you view Milan?

It’s something I’m really proud of. Growing up in Milan, I took a lot of things for granted because they were just part of everyday life. Organizing this program has given me a much deeper understanding of the city’s design culture.

Through researching studios, exhibitions, and creative spaces, I’ve learned so much about design and discovered parts of Milan I hadn’t fully appreciated before. It’s made me see my hometown in a completely new way and appreciate just how much design is part of its identity.

Question: North American college and university students and Milanese designers represent two very different cultures. What has been the most interesting “clash” or beautiful connection you witnessed between them?

I think the biggest difference was the approach to communication. American students are usually very comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas straight away, while Italian designers can be a bit more reserved at first.

But once they start talking about creativity and the design process, those differences disappear. It’s always inspiring to see them connect over a shared passion, even if they come from completely different backgrounds.

Question: What is one major misconception you think American students have about Italy and Italian design before they arrive, and how does this study abroad program shatter it?

Many students arrive thinking Italian design is only about luxury fashion and iconic furniture brands. While those are definitely part of it, they quickly realize that design here is much broader.

It’s about problem-solving, craftsmanship, sustainability, urban planning, food, and even the way public spaces are designed. Milan shows them that design isn’t just something beautiful to look at—it’s something that shapes everyday life.

Question: If you could bottle up one specific moment from this program when you saw or heard about a student’s perspective shift, what would it be?

One moment that stands out to me is seeing how curious students became about everyday Italian culture. During the program, they asked so many questions about food, local traditions, and the Italian way of life.

Things that feel normal to us—like where to get the best espresso, how to choose a restaurant, or the rituals around meals—were completely new and exciting to them.

It was amazing to see them realize that Italian culture is not just about famous places or design, but also about the small everyday details that make Milan unique.

Question: Is there a particular design studio, museum, neighborhood, or other design-focused visit that you included in the itinerary where you find the students are always most inspired?

The Triennale is always a highlight because it gives students such a broad perspective on contemporary design, architecture, and innovation. But surprisingly, one of the places that often has the biggest impact is simply walking through the Brera district. Design isn’t just something you find in museums or galleries—it’s part of everyday life in Milan.

You can see it in the way buildings are designed, in shop windows, in public spaces, and even in the small details people often overlook. That’s what makes Milan special: design is not separate from daily life, it’s part of the city’s identity.

Question: Between aperitivo culture, navigating the Metro, and understanding Italian espresso etiquette, what “non-design” skill are you most proud of helping the students experience?

Definitely learning how to slow down and enjoy everyday moments. Whether it’s having an espresso at the counter instead of rushing off with a takeaway coffee or spending an hour enjoying aperitivo with friends, they start to understand that in Italy, everyday rituals matter.

It’s a small cultural shift, but I think it’s one they remember long after they leave Milan.

Question: For students or young professionals reading this interview who dream of studying or working in design in Milan, what is your number one piece of advice?

Milan offers incredible opportunities, but the city rewards people who are proactive. Go to exhibitions, attend design events, introduce yourself to people, and say yes to new experiences.

Also, learning at least a little Italian makes a huge difference. Even though many people in the design world speak English, showing an interest in the language and culture opens so many more doors.

Question: What is one of your next programs you are working on in Milan or Italy?

answer…

Would you like to connect with Eleonora about a program in Milan for your students?

Behind every great program is a great team.

Get in touch to see how we can work together.

We’d love to chat with you.

partnerships@cepa-abroad.org

Note: Some answers have been edited and reordered for clarity.

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ESC Heidelberg Summer STEM Program Launching in 2027

Herzlich Willkommen in Heidelberg!

We are excited to share the launch of our new ESC Heidelberg Summer STEM Program, giving students the opportunity to study in one of Europe’s leading university cities while combining academic learning with cultural exploration and professional discovery. Heidelberg has been an important part of CEPA’s story since 2011, when we opened our first program in the city.

Program Details

We are opening a 6 1/2-week program in Summer 2027 (mid-May to early-July) and has been intentionally designed to be an academically rigorous and affordable experience, with meaningful engagement in local and European culture.

Highlights include:

• $7,995 program fee, with Affiliate Grants and scholarship opportunities available through the CEPA Foundation
• Up to 7 U.S. credits, featuring core STEM courses plus an elective focused on the history, culture and science of beer brewing in Germany
• Modern student housing, just a 10-minute walk from the CEPA ESC, with all participants living in the same residence.
• An unlimited public transportation and regional train rail pass for Germany
• 3 included excursions – including one to France – that combine cultural experiences with STEM-focused visits
• A co-curricular program highlighting career pathways and Germany’s automobile industry

More details including course syllabi, information about student housing, program inclusions, scholarships, and sustainability can be found here on our website:

https://www.cepa-abroad.org/escheidelberg

Program Approval

We invite your institution to review the program for approval. If you need additional information to support your review, we’re happy to provide it. If your institution is already a CEPA Affiliate Partner, your existing Affiliation Agreement also applies to the Heidelberg Summer STEM Program. If updates or an addendum is required, please let us know.

Become a CEPA Affiliate Partner

If your institution is not yet an Affiliate Partner, we invite you to join our network. Affiliate institutions enable their students to access Affiliate Grants, helping make study abroad more affordable while expanding opportunities for international engagement. A sample Affiliation Agreement is attached for your initial review.

ESC Heidelberg 2027 Available Scholarships

5 x $500 Scholarships

5x $1,000 Scholarships

Eligibility: Students participating in the 2027 CEPA ESC summer program in Heidelberg, Germany

More information

If you have questions about the program, the approval process, or becoming an Affiliate, we would be happy to schedule a conversation at your convenience.

We look forward to partnering with you and welcoming your students to Heidelberg next summer!

Learn more about the ESC Heidelberg program

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]]> https://www.cepa-abroad.org/2601ealfredheidenheim/ Thu, 29 Jan 2026 08:34:03 +0000 https://www.cepa-abroad.org/?p=12930 The post Alfred University in Germany appeared first on CEPA Study Abroad.

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Alfred University Students Explore the Intersection of German Engineering and Culture with CEPA

January 2026 in Germany

This January, Alfred University students embarked on an immersive 10-day educational journey across Germany titled “German Autos meets Deutsche Kultur.” Running from January 9 to 18, 2026, the program offered a deep dive into the heart of the world’s most iconic automotive hubs. Students traveled from the industrial centers of Stuttgart and Heidenheim to the historic streets of Munich, participating in a blend of academic rigor and cultural exploration. The itinerary featured exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz museums, a visit to the Mercedes-Benz production plant in Sindelfingen, and a specialized tour of the MAN Truck & Bus classic vehicle collection, providing a firsthand look at the evolution of mobility and precision engineering.

Beyond the factory floors, the program emphasized Germany’s complex history and vibrant local traditions. Students engaged in intensive business simulations and projects at DHBW Heidenheim, paired with walking tours of medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the historic city centers of Stuttgart and Munich. The journey also included a sobering and educational visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the nation’s past.

Facilitated by CEPA Study Abroad, the trip also prioritized sustainability; in alignment with CEPA’s Climate Action Plan, a tree was planted in the Costa Rican rainforest on behalf of each participant to mitigate the travel’s environmental impact, leaving a lasting positive legacy long after the students returned to the U.S.

Would you like to explore southern Germany with your students?

Click the button to learn more about developing your ideas!

Learn more

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]]> https://www.cepa-abroad.org/new-years-announcement-from-cepa/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:04:03 +0000 https://www.cepa-abroad.org/?p=12419 The post New Year’s Announcement from CEPA appeared first on CEPA Study Abroad.

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CEPA is Joining the Terra Education Family

As we begin the new year, the entire CEPA team wishes partners and friends a happy and healthy 2026. May all our programs be successful and our students be transformed by their experience abroad!

This year will be a particularly exciting one for CEPA.

As of January 1^st, CEPA has officially joined Terra Education, a San Diego-based global organization that operates a diverse portfolio of educational programs worldwide. It serves as the parent company of several independent organizations that develop and run immersive academic and travel programs, intentionally designed for university-level students, teens, youth, families, and active older adults.

All organizations share the mission of empowering participants to reach their potential to transform the world through high-quality educational programming. Terra is a Certified B-Corp, and it has met rigorous standards to ensure it uses the power of business as a force for good.

Terra’s mission and values are a perfect match to CEPA’s, including:

• A commitment to educational and academic excellence
• A ‘family-business’ approach to organizational culture
• A mission-driven framework as a Certified B-Corp, committed to social and environmental responsibility

Our dedicated team and leadership are the same individuals you have worked with closely and collaboratively over the years. And of course, our mission remains steady, as does our commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable, and affordable study abroad programs to our partners and students!

I could not be prouder to announce that we are joining the Terra Education family. Please join us in celebrating this new chapter for CEPA Study Abroad!

Uli Leibrecht
Executive Director and Founder

CEPA Study Abroad
www.cepa-abroad.org

_______________

www.terraeducation.com

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]]> https://www.cepa-abroad.org/environmental-report/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 04:17:39 +0000 https://www.cepa-abroad.org/?p=11577 The post CEPA’s Positive Environmental Impact in 2025 appeared first on CEPA Study Abroad.

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CEPA’s Positive Environmental Impact in 2025

• 

We have reached a fantastic milestone this year. CEPA is on track to meet and exceed our 2030 goal of planting 20,000 trees!

In addition, CEPA’s initiative offsets an average of 1,400 tonnes of CO₂ per year through Certified Emission Reductions (CERs), leading to a total offset of approximately 13,000 tonnes of CO₂ by 2030.

Together with our institutional partners, as well as their faculty and students, we have successfully achieved these positive environmental impacts.

Download - CEPA’s Environmental Report 2025

Awards

CEPA has been awarded the Forest Friends Accelerator Badge, an honor conferred exclusively on organizations that catalyze ecosystem restoration across their operations and partner networks by supporting projects in alignment with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration principles and standards.

Our Climate Action Partners

Saimiri Foundation, headquartered in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica, plants the trees for CEPA and also implements rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation programs for non-human primates, addressing environmental and anthropogenic threats.

Green Initiative is member of world-class initiatives for climate and nature positive actions

Forest Friends—a project of Green Initiative—provides organizations with a network of ecosystem-restoration projects in biodiversity hotspots of global significance, designed and executed in accordance with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) principles and governed by Green Initiative’s monitoring, reporting, and
verification (MRV) standards

We encourage you to join us in making a difference. Your feedback is invaluable and will help shape our future initiatives.

Thank you for being a part of our mission to create meaningful and responsible study abroad experiences.

Together, we can foster a culture of global responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Sustainability Initiatives @CEPA

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]]> https://www.cepa-abroad.org/winners-of-the-peoples-choice-photo-contest/ Fri, 21 Nov 2025 05:02:55 +0000 https://www.cepa-abroad.org/?p=12033 The post Winners of the People’s Choice Photo Contest appeared first on CEPA Study Abroad.

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Winners of the People’s Choice Contest

It was inspiring to see the study abroad community and CEPA followers
unite on our social media channels to support their favorite photos.

Their collective enthusiasm and encouragement
truly highlighted the strength of our shared connections.

Congratulations!

A Big Shout Out

We would like to recognize all the students who participated in the photo contest,
even if they did not win an award.

We appreciate their efforts, as each photo and description
showcased a unique aspect of their study abroad journey with CEPA.

We encourage them to continue expressing themselves
through their art and exploration of the world!

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]]> https://www.cepa-abroad.org/11973-2/ Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:23:32 +0000 https://www.cepa-abroad.org/?p=11973 The post Special Recognition of Student Talent appeared first on CEPA Study Abroad.

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Strongest Narrative in a Series of Photos

Congratulations to Adedapo Hakeem from Arizona State University for this well-deserved recognition!

Each photograph captures a moment and conveys powerful emotions, weaving an inspiring narrative through the imagery and descriptions.

Study Abroad Program organized by CEPA for the Honors College at ASU: Barrett in Germany and Switzerland: Finding Frankenstein, the Monster, and Ourselves! May – June, 2025

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