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Faculty/Advisors Testimonials

 

Leonardo's Art and the Human Body - Italy, France
May 2006

Faculty Leader: Dr. Sonia Villaverde
College of Arts & Sciences, Lynn University Florida

Mark Kiel, Psy.D., Argosy University

“I thought it was an excellent trip. Reviews from students continue to roll in and they are overwhelmingly positive. Thank you so much, and I hope we get a chance to work togther again soon."  

Jerry Herbel, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Georgia College & State University
Political Science and Public Administration

"Our study abroad was a big success thanks in large part to CEPA's program manager Marion and the whole CEPA team. All the arrangements for our travel, lodging and official appointments went very smoothly. The hotels were clean, well appointed and conveniently located. Their staffs were ready for us to check in and were polite, friendly and efficient. I cannot say enough good things about our CEPA on-site coordinators. They guided us through the itinerary and spent extra time with the students to help them make plans for their free time and escorted them on various excursions outside the official itinerary. They were unfailingly polite, energetic and informative. The most important part of the trip was the academic part, and this was also very successful. The students were constantly amazed to see news stories about the EU on television from locations we had just visited a day or two before, which reinforced the lessons of the course. I look forward to working with CEPA in the futu  

Michele Crumley, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
East Tennessee State University
Dept. of Political Science, International Affairs, & Public Administration

"Thank you, and thanks to all at CEPA who helped designing and making arrangements for the East Tennessee State University course "Politics, Culture and Society in Central East Europe". I am deeply grateful for all of your assistance in making the study abroad experience memorable and well executed. The CEPA Europe planning allowed for the experience to unfold easily, and I highly recommend CEPA Europe to other faculty who are interested in leading a course abroad. [...]Overall the transportation, accommodations, tours, and meetings were excellent, and the coordinators were outstanding. I look forward to working with CEPA Europe again." Politics, Culture and Society in Central East Europe June 7 - 23, 2011  

Dr. Linda Bond - Stephen F. Austin State University

"This was a wonderful experience. I was very impressed with CEPA's work, providing opportunities for journalism, Radio/TV. Even our final dinner was at a journalist club. The visits were excellent - The Guardian, BBC, YNC, RAF Film Museum. I appreciate the extra work. This trip was perfectly tailored to my students." Meet the Media in LondonJune 20 – July 1, 2011  

Adam C. English, Associate Professor of Theology and Philosophy
Campbell University

"Thank you for all the work that went into making our Italian experience fantastic. Every detail of the experience was professionally organized and executed. The buses, the tour guides , the hotels, and the restaurants were superb. Excellent service and stress free organization. The itineraries were clear and detailed and easy to read.The students had a wonderful experience that has greatly enhanced their education. Thank you again for everything CEPA!" Introduction to Philosophy, Agony & Ecstasy: Art of Michelangelo, Ancient & Medieval Theology May 17 – June 8, 2011  

Cynthia McKenney, Ed.D., Texas Tech University

"Our trip was great. The students all loved the gardens. What turned out to be a surprise hit was the olive oil production facility. The students seemed to really enjoy that. They also enjoyed the aqueducts and castles. When I took an informal survey with the group the night that we had our farewell dinner, the consensus was we had the right number of gardens and the right number of other sites. The variety of the gardens was very nice, as was the difference in the other castles/ cathedrals and mosques. Our guide, the hotels, as well as the motor coaches were excellent. [...] I have used a different tour company in the past and this has been the best experience we have had. I look forward to working with you again in the future. Thank you CEPA!" Horticulture & Gardens in SpainMay 15 – 25, 2011  

Carol D. Hansen, Ph.D., Georgia State University

"For everyone, even those who had been to France and Germany before, this study abroad program was the best ever. Thank you so much CEPA for such a wonderful and well-organized trip. [...] We also wish to thank our coordinators and guides, who where very knowledgeable and who worked very hard to make our visit easy. [...]" GSU MaymesterMay 2011  

Dr. Emily Leverett, Methodist University

Overall this was excellent and I and the students had a great time. I will use CEPA again &really recommend them to anyone looking to put together a small trip like ours. Thanks for the great trip!English Literature Program in London, England March 4 – 10, 2011  

Mandy Reinig, Education Abroad Advisor, Penn State Altoona

Penn State Altoona has been working with CEPA for over 2 years now. Last year we worked with them on two highly successful programs to Austria and a multi country program for our campus choir. CEPA is highly organized and knows the European market. In addition, they understand the unique needs of academic short-term programs. My faculty have come back to campus stating they couldn't have done their programs without the support they received from CEPA and their staff. We have continued to use CEPA for the majority of our European programs because of this high level of support and dedication to quality and academics. European Choir Tour - May 10-19, 2010  

Dr. Michael Stroup and Dr. Keaton Grubbs, Stephen F. Austin State University

Ten students and faculty in the Nelson Rusche College of Business at Stephen F. Austin State University engaged in an international business trade and finance study abroad program during the spring 2010 semester."The holistic approach of the study combines rigorous academic work with cultural experiences and on-the-ground international business contact," said Dr. J. Keaton Grubbs, professor of the course. "When the dust settles and students reflect on it all, they are typically amazed at their personal and professional growth." The group also traveled to London via the Eurail train beneath the English Channel. Professional venues for lectures and tours included the Bank of England, British Broadcasting Company and Lloyds of London. Cultural events included an open-top bus tour of London, a Thames River cruise, the London Eye, and the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, together with Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Bucki  

Dr. William Thompson, Associate Professor, University of Memphis

"In one word, our trip was “wonderful”! I have been thinking about this, and have been reading the journals that the students had to keep during their trip, and I can honestly say that there was not one single problem with the trip, and nothing that I would have changed. I was delighted with how everything went, from our arrival at the airport in Paris until our departure from Brussels. Jessica and Elisabeth were wonderful and more than competent hosts, and I would be very pleased to work with them again if I am to organize another trip to either city. We were very pleased with the hotel accommodations. We also were very pleased with the two restaurants at which we had the group dinners. In particular the restaurant in Brussels was excellent [the name escapes me right now, but it was not the restaurant originally on our schedule, which was unable to accommodate us, and which turned out to be just fine in the end]. In terms of the arrangements for the museums an  

Dr. William Downs, Chair of Department of Political Science and Co-Director, Center for Human Rights and Democracy
Georgia State University

"Thanks very much for ensuring that we had a successful visit to Strasbourg. As always, the hospitality was outstanding and we genuinely appreciate all that you did to arrange the tours and meetings at various institutions. Please do convey to Harald how especially grateful we all were for the opportunity to meet with him last Tuesday...I continue to hear from the students that his talk has been a highlight for them. I look forward to continuing the work of building our program, and I believe last week's trip will only strengthen support at GSU for study abroad in Strasbourg."  

Jeremy Cripps, PhD, FCA, CPA, Professor of Accounting and Management, Business & Economics Division, American University of Kuwait

Three years back I started study abroad tours for a select group of graduating seniors and, on the basis of recommendations from colleagues in the USA, I approached CEPA. CEPA specializes in arranging short study tours for many US universities in Europe. They have a base in France and we initially went there and have since branched out to Italy and now England. They have excellent experience in tour logistics, making sure that we are met at airports and stay at good hotels. Their tour guides are masterful and we have only had first class experiences with them. Our students have been pleased with the tours, the activities and the arrangements. As you might expect, they are wonderfully efficient and organized.November 2010  

Christopher Witmore, Texas Tech University

Don and I, along with all the program participants, were extremely impressed with the CEPA contribution to the program.  Everything went extremely well and we had a positive experience with all the venues, hotels, guides and bus services you provided.  Don and I are also grateful to you for making sure that our families were extremely comfortable.  We will be sure to get the review forms you sent filled out by the participants and we will mail them when complete in the late summer.Thank you so much for such a memorable experience!  

Dr. Jeanette Francis, Associate Professor - Computer Science, Lynn University

“Thank you so much for the wonderful tour you organized for us to Europe. You attention to details was superb, and the visits were excellent. The trip went very well and I am ready to do it again next year.”  

Sonia Villaverde, PhD., College of Arts & Sciences, Lynn University

“The trip was a dream come true! Every city, tour, guide, museum and university was far beyond my expectations.Especially the department and director of the University of Rome in La Sapienza were amazing!”  

Liz Havey, Study Abroad Adviser, Georgia College & State University

“We’ve worked with CEPA on a couple European tours, and I’m also beginning to work with them on internships abroad (this, they specialize in Germany and Strasbourg). I’m confident that Silke Schneider would provide an outstanding program for your students. Her email is silke@cepa-europe.com.”  

Dr. Ryan D. Dye, Director of International Education, St. Ambrose University

“We had a fantastic two weeks in Ireland! Many thanks to all of you for your assistance in making our trip a success.”  

Flavio Frontini, Glendale Community College

“Hazel and I want to thank you for a fantastic trip.. CEPA organization was perfect. Dimitri, your Firenze representative was as efficient and helpful as Patrizia was in Roma and they were both loved by us and our students. Everything went incredibly well and we cannot thank you enough for all of your efforts. Thank you again for everything from the bottom of our heart.”  

Jackie Reck
University of North Texas

“I would like to thank CEPA and you for making our trip such a positive experience. The organization was excellent. We arrived at all educational venues on time and without any problems. The individuals at the scheduled events were expecting us and were ready for us when we arrived. We learned from every educational venue.”  

Cathy Bidini, Photographer & Educator
University of Guelph-Humber

"We both want to express what a fantastic time Dave, myself and the students, had in France! The travel arrangements and group bookings for galleries that CEPA made, went very smoothly, and all the bus drivers were polite and helpful. We particularly were impressed with Danielle in Paris, she co-ordinated things so well, and went above and beyond answering students questions, and helping them with the Metro map and discovering Paris. She was a pleasure to be with. [...] Thank you again for all your help, we look forward to working with CEPA again next year." Sincerely, Cathy BidiniDavid Scott (Professor, Humber College Toronto) Photography Workshop in France (May 27 – June 7, 2010)  

Dr. Michael Lastinger, Assoc. Provost of International Affairs
West Virginia University

"CEPA is an impressive organization that provides a unique combination of flexibility and high quality in all the programs it provides. The strategic location of CEPA's facilities and its highly professional staff allow access to sites, to institutions, and to dignitaries that open up valuable educational opportunities for both students and faculty. Communication with CEPA is a pleasure, and I am always amazed at the dedication and joy that every one at CEPA brings to their work of conceiving, creating, and executing such a marvelous array of academic programs."  

Farrah Bernardino, Director Study Abroad Programs
Georgia State University

"Our university has worked with CEPA to develop a customized semester program as well as a multi-country maymester program Strasbourg, France. The staff at CEPA is truly FANTASTIC! They are always accessible, enthusiastic, and professional. From the pre-departure orientations for students, to the planned excursions, to the housing arrangements, CEPA goes above and beyond to make sure our students have a truly unforgettable international experience. Our students love the CEPA programs, and they RAVE about the 18th century historic castle they live in while in France. It is a pleasure to have CEPA working with our university to further our international goals."  

Mark Koepke, Associate Director, International Programs Office
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

"We want to thank you and your WONDERFUL staff for all the work that you have done to make our European Union study tours such a success. We have worked with both competent travel agents before and good academic contacts abroad, but we have never seen any off them do what you do. You blend the academic and vocational concerns of our university with the logistical and cultural needs of groups in such an elegant way. Using CEPA has allowed us to go "worry free" - we know that we will get what we ask for, and what you promise, without exception."  

Dr. Jon Stauff, Director, Center of Global Engagement
The College of New Jersey

"CEPA Europe is a wonderful partner for North American colleges and universities, helping faculty design a variety of short-term, faculty-led programs in Europe for undergraduate and graduate students. From excellent site visits, local lecturers, to student services, CEPA Europe 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 Europe is small enough to be personal but still large enough to offer a broad range of services and options."  

Bonnie Cutsforth-Huber, Ph.D.
Penn State University, Altoona, PA

"I would like to thank you and everyone at CEPA for an unforgettable experience! All of the activities and performances you organized for us were fantastic, and Isabel and Gilbert (on-site coordinators) were extremely helpful and gracious - they made my job so much easier, and I am very grateful to both of them. I will absolutely use CEPA for our future tours! Thank you again for all your hard work and for a wonderful and successful tour." Choir Program in France, Germany & Switzerland 2010  

Kendra Kattelmann, Ph.D., Nutrition, Food Science & Hospitality Department
South Dakota State University

"This faculty-led program was a wonderful experience. I joined the group on July 16th and from my experience I can say that the itinerary was well laid out and the accommodations were good. It was a really enjoyable learning experience and hopefully we can sponsor another tour in the future."European Hospitality, Nutrition and Food Science Management July 2006  

Alla Paroiatnikova, Ph.D., Director International Programs
Southern Utah University

"I highly recommend CEPA Europe!!!! The organization was perfect, if there is such a thing. Everything was on time and they helped us with all the special arrangements that we requested. They customize their trips for every school group that they do business with, so you'll be able to get whatever you need, but I think the ones they already have set up are great. The guides were superb, lodgings were great, and even European food didn't scare our students. You won't be able to find a better company to work with. Their prices are highly competitive considering the services that they provide, and they're very accommodating and responsive to all your needs. They are also delightful people. Uli Leibrecht, who is the director of these programs, is a pure joy to work with."  

Richard Burr, Ph.D.
Trinity University (TX)

"Now that we have completed the program very successfully in 2007, 2008, and 2009, we feel strongly that we are offering an opportunity to our students that will make them better and more knowledgeable citizens of the world."Report on European Union Summer ProgramJuly 19 – August 2, 2009Faculty Leaders: Richard Burr, Ph.D. and Jorge Gonzalez, Ph.D "The Program, from all accounts so far, was a great success.  The students thoroughly enjoyed the scheduled visits, the free time in all four cities, and working with Willi who was very punctual, professional, and enjoyable.   I want you to know how much we appreciate the effort you and your staff put into our program to make it such a memorable time for our students." "Jorge and I are enjoying telling everyone we see what a wonderful program we had.  A lot of its success is because of the work everyone at CEPA put into organizing and carrying out the day-to-day schedule." The European Union Program in  

Mary Ruth Moore, Ph.D.
University of the Incarnate Word (TX)

"The trip was wonderful. I cannot say thank you enough for all your help and services. Everyone in Germany was outstanding to us. The Froebel network was so happy we were there. I hope it helps their work." "In Froebel's Footsteps" - An Educator's Tour of the Beginning of KindergartenMay, 2007  

Frank Novakowski, MBA, MEd, Davenport University - Main Campus (MI)

"What has worked so well for our Study Abroad programs in the EU has been the exceptional service we received from all of the CEPA staff.  Their ability to make the connections with just the right people within the many organizations we visited and to arrange exactly what we needed in terms of a balanced study abroad experience is an invaluable service.  Their staff who accompanied our groups were very well-versed in their geographic areas and had the keen ability to develop an immediate positive relationships with our students and faculty.  CEPA is an organization that knows how to be a true partner with our university and how to support the challenging study abroad programs universities are expected to deliver today." International Business Program in France and Germany2008 / 2009 / 2010   

Judy Hebner, Program Coordinator
Humber College

"I want to express my sincere thanks to the CEPA team for the caregiving, organization, and hard work setting the internships especially. I also know that the students will continue to get the support while out on internship and they have some fantastic opportunities."  

Alister Mathieson, Dean, Humber College

"For the last four years we have partnered with CEPA Europe to design and execute our annual study abroad experiential learning programs. These programs include a range of hospitality, tourism and culinary experiences in Switzerland, Germany and France. Their high academic standards and intimate knowledge and experience in these countries has created varied, fun and memorable learning experiences for our students."  

LaVerne Tilley, Program Director, Gwinnett Technical College

"CEPA Europe has provided an outstanding learning experience for the marketing and fashion students. The businesses and activities chosen are coordinated with the interest and needs of our specific group. I’ve been on two trips with students and each trip has more than met the expectations of students and other participants on the trip. I’m in the process of planning another trip and have every confidence in the value of the trip for my students."  

Bryan Hunt, Georgian College (Canada)

"The program for Georgian was quite flawless in its planning as well as its execution. Our accomodations were excellent, the restaurants, for the most part were superb and the site visits were more than I expected. [...] I would also like to especially thank our co-ordinators, who were incredibly helpful, pleasant and knowledgeable. They went above and beyond in all repects and truly are amazing representatives of CEPA Europe." Hospitality and Tourism Management ProgramApril 29 - May 12, 2007  

Debby Cannon, Ph.D., Director of Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality /
Georgia State University

"The hospitality study abroad program at Georgia State University has been a tremendous success thanks to the expert planning and coordination of CEPA Europe. The itineraries planned by CEPA Europe have maximized our students' learning experiences and travel enjoyment. We were able to visit locations that would not be available to the typical tourist. The CEPA guides are outstanding - knowledgeable and extremely service-oriented. With CEPA's help, we plan on expanding our study abroad programs and have students who want to return for repeat trips." CEPA Europe in the News! Read more about CEPA's collaboration with GSU in the GSU Dean's E-News and why the new summer program "The European Union" has been of such a great interest to their students.  

Hank Edmondson, Ph.D., Georgia College and State University

"I've had outstanding success for the past ten years with CEPA Europe in 7-8 different countries."  

Helen Tichenor, Ph.D., Director of International Programs
Gardner Webb University

"I can highly recommend the personnel at CEPA Europe. We have been working with them for the past five years and will continue to do so. They have organized programs for our School of Business, School of Education, and School of Nursing, all in western Europe. The combination of lectures and site visits is excellent, informative and very well planned." Download an article about a group of Gardner-Webb GEM students, which visited Switzerland to learn about the business world.  

Nancy Gordon Harris, MS, RD, LDN, FADA
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, East Carolina University

"It has been a pleasure to work with CEPA Europe to develop our summer programs offered through the Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. We describe our program objectives and the CEPA staff create the European itinerary that best meets our needs. They are conscientious in responding to our inquiries or requests, meticulous about managing details of the program, and professional in every aspect of service. In addition to their effectiveness, they are very personable and make us feel like our program's success is as important to them as it is to us."Health & Nutrition Program  - mainly based at the ACS Leysin, Switzerland: "I just wanted to thank CEPA Europe for the continued excellence in providing outstanding study abroad programs for our students. Each year seems to get better and better and this year was certainly well-done. CEPA Europe has maintained quality, professional and personalized   

Petra Visscher

"CEPA Europe went out of their way to ensure that the students not only had a valuable educational experience, but they also enjoyed fantastic cultural events, tailored to our needs!"  

Carol D. Hansen, Ph.D., Georgia State University

"All in all, it was a great trip and I wish to thank everyone very very much. We were all very impressed by the quality of the visits which I know could not have been easy to arrange. [...] A lot of students liked NATO very much and I think that all would agree that the visit to the European Commission in Brussels was excellent." A European Hospitality Seminar May 2007  

Carolyn Speros, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
School of Nursing / University of Memphis

"How do I ever begin to thank each of you enough for making this trip possible for my nursing students! We had an incredible experience, and none of us will ever forget it. I feel indebted to the folks at CEPA for their attention to detail. Every aspect of the trip was perfectly planned and orchestrated for us. The itinerary was perfect...and the experience far exceeded my expectations. The facilties that we toured were absolutely fascinating! We were able to compare and contrast the different health care systems of Germany, France, and Switzerland with the US system of health care, and we critically looked at the role of the nurse within those systems throughout our visits. My students were inquisitive and engaged, and represented the University so positively. I was very proud of them. They came back enlightened, and enthusiastic about their future in the global profession of nursing. Many, many thanks to you for all that you did to make this happen." Global Perspective  

© 2010 CEPA Europe – Im Schloss 74379 Ingersheim Germany
Phone +49 (0)7142 95 65 11 Fax +49 (0)7142 95 65 44 info@cepa-europe.com
CEPA Europe offering study abroad programs in Europe since 1997.

Christopher Witmore, Texas Tech University
Don and I, along with all the program participants, were extremely impressed with the CEPA contribution to the program.  Everything wen  
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