ComplaintsforCultural Experiences Abroad LLC

• Initial Complaint

  08/21/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Cultural Experiences Abroad LLC has failed to refund security deposit due after my son's study abroad experience in Spring 2023. I have attempted numerous times to resolve this issue directly with CEA. The majority of my emails and voicemails are ignored, and on the rare occasion when I do receive a response it is an excuse for another delay. I have had problems with the company's administrative offices from day one and would, frankly, like to close this chapter once and for all.

  

  Business response

  11/07/2023

  Dear Better Business Bureau,

  The refund for the security deposit was issued and the check cashed on September 30, 2023.  We are glad to support any follow up that *** be required.

   

• Initial Complaint

  06/08/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  CEA CAPA advertised on their website for the Summer ****** program that I would be within walking distance of the academic building. Within a week before leaving for ******, I was finally given my course registration and housing information. There was no communication prior to this that directly addressed any questions I had regarding my courses or housing. I was told to wait until they announced it. My complaint rests on the fact that my housing was not within walking distance but was over a 40-minute bus ride from the CEA Center in ******. I've been informed by some students who were in the same housing building as me that they were provided a $1,500 dollar refund because their parents, or they themselves, spoke out against our housing situation. To make matters worse, the select students who have been offered a refund were told not to discuss the matter with other students and to keep it under the table to save CEA's bottom line. When I contacted my advisor about this, I was immediately forwarded to her boss, who in turn said refunds were issued on an individual case-by-case basis and that the entire group in the building I'm in would not be entitled to the $1,500 refund some received, even though everybody in the *** building has been experiencing the same issues. It is unfair to everyone who lives in *** housing when (a) we all aren't entitled to the same refund and (b) the rest of the group that lives in another building complex in *********** has significantly better living accommodations that are tolerable to live in. As an example of my living conditions, my bed is comprised of a mattress that rests on a piece of plywood, and my shower has so much corrosion that it doesn't properly work.

  

  Business response

  06/29/2023

  Dear *****,
  
  We hope this response finds you well. We are writing in response to the complaint filed by ***************** regarding his recent experience with CEA CAPA Education Abroad. We have carefully reviewed ****'s situation and empathize with his concerns regarding the housing during his ****** summer session.
  
  At CEA CAPA Education Abroad, we strive to provide exceptional study abroad experiences to our students, and we take all feedback seriously. After completing a review of this situation, we understand and appreciate why **** was not satisfied with the location of his housing. We regret any inconvenience caused to **** during his stay and we are committed to resolving the matter satisfactorily.
  
  Considering the housing concern **** expressed, we have decided to issue him a refund of $1,500 as a gesture of goodwill. We believe that this amount appropriately compensates **** for any inconvenience and aligns with our commitment to student satisfaction. The refund will be processed within ten business days, and **** will receive confirmation and further details regarding the refund via email.
  
  We sincerely hope that, despite the housing concern, **** had a great overall experience during his ****** summer session. Study abroad programs offer unique opportunities for personal and academic growth, and we remain committed to supporting our students in their pursuit of an enriching educational journey.
  
  Once again, we empathize that **** felt frustrated with the housing situation, and we thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. If you or Zach require any further information or have additional concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  
  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************
  Executive Vice President
  CEA CAPA Education Abroad

  Customer response

  06/29/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  *****************
  
   
  

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩