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CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

Name: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain
Brand: CEA CAPA Education Abroad
SKU: 15924
Rating: 4.91 (180 reviews)

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CEA CAPA Education Abroad

4.91 (180 reviews)

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Students

Adventure travelers

Foodies

CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

CEA CAPA Education Abroad

4.91 · 180 reviews

Community Choice Award Winner

Location

Spain
- Barcelona

Term

Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter

Subject Areas

Accounting Advertising Art History Business Communications Cultural Studies Design Economics Education Engineering Entrepreneurship Environmental Studies European Studies Film Finance Health Sciences History Humanities International Business International Relations Journalism Language Studies Law Liberal Arts Linguistics Literature Marketing Philosophy Photography Political Science Pre-Med Psychology Social Sciences Sociology +24

Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, Work study, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding

Health & Safety

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Program Details

Program Type

Provider

Degree Level

High School Diploma Associates Bachelors

Housing

Apartment Dormitory Host Family

Language

English

Pricing

Price Details

Included: Personalized Pre-departure Advising; Tuition & Registration; Travel Medical Insurance; On-site Orientation; Housing; Volunteer Opportunities; On-site Staff Support; Excursions and Cultural Engagement; Host Institution Services & Amenities and more. Scholarships available.

What's Included

Some Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Classes

Last Updated: Sep 29, 2025

Last Reviewed: Apr 23, 2026

Wish List

122 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city, features a cosmopolitan atmosphere, a temperate climate, marvelous art, and amazing opportunities to learn. Gaze upon Antoni Gaudí’s gothic Sagrada Familia, the church of the Holy Family. Enjoy delicious tapas as you socialize with new friends! Experience the thrill of soccer at Europe’s largest stadium, Camp Nou.

To give you the widest range of options, CEA CAPA partners with some of Spain’s best universities, including University of Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, University of Vic, and Pompeu Fabra University. You can study at one of these prestigious institutions, or at CEA CAPA's Barcelona Center, located in the heart of the city. You can also experience both with a hybrid learning program.

Interested? Click the “Visit Site” button to learn what’s waiting for you!

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COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

Students praise the program for its supportive staff, engaging classes, and immersive cultural activities including trips and cooking classes.

AI-generated summary from verified community reviews Read reviews →

Video and Photos

CEA CAPA Study Abroad Students in Barcelona, Spain

Sagrada Familia in front of sun in Barcelona, Spain

CEA CAPA students overlooking Barcelona, Spain

Plaza de Catalunya at sunset in Barcelona, Spain

Side view of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

CEA CAPA student on stairs at Parc Guell in Barcelona, Spain

CEA CAPA student at Parc Ciutadella in Barcelona, Spain

CEA CAPA students pose on stairs for picture

Alhambra architecture on excursion with CEA CAPA

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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

BIPOC Support

CEA CAPA provides, in conjunction with Diversity Abroad, Destination Guides which provide resources and tips for Black/African-American students, Latinx students, Asian American students, and all other students of color.

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LGBTQIA+ Support

Through our personalized advising, CEA CAPA takes steps to understand the needs of a diversity of student identities like the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition to diversity and identity training, CEA CAPA leadership engage in continuous department level project work to identify and revise policies and practices using the appropriate Justice, Equity, Diversity or Inclusion lens as a frame to reduce bias and barriers that impact students, faculty, and staff. CEA CAPA is intentional in elevating diverse student voices and providing a platform for a broad array of identities to share their experiences abroad. The CEA CAPA World Blog promotes stories and personal experiences from the perspectives of diverse student bloggers and vloggers.

Neurodivergent Support

CEA CAPA is willing and able to assist students with learning disabilities and physical disabilities. Students are requested to disclose disabilities through the application health forms as part of their application and in discussion with their application advisor or program manager. The earlier CEA CAPA is made aware of learning or physical disabilities the better we can work with the student, institution, and overseas team to tailor an Individualized Education Program if necessary to support the student.

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Impact 🌎

Sustainability

CEA CAPA makes a conscious effort to create study abroad experiences that leave a positive impact on host communities. Each location implements a variety of strategies to support the local community and promote sustainability. Examples include:

Use of recycling bins in Study Center locations and in CEA CAPA housing

Signage in CEA CAPA housing urging students to limit water and electricity usage

Students are often given reusable bags and water bottles upon arrival to limit single plastic use

Students are provided with instructions for acquiring transportation passes to promote use of public transportation rather than taxis

Program Highlights

Hands-on learning experiences that transform the world abroad into a classroom
Personalized Pre-Departure Advising, including visa and immigration support
Courses offered in English that fulfill major and general graduation requirements
Comprehensive on-site support, including 24/7 emergency phone
Career workshops, Internships Abroad, and Alumni Ambassador positions

Program Reviews

4.91 Rating

based on 180 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Study

5 rating 91.67%
4 rating 7.78%
3 rating 0.56%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 4.25
Support 4.8
Fun 4.9
Housing 4.6
Safety 4.75

Good for Students, Adventure travelers, Foodies

Showing 1 - 8 of 180 reviews

Barcelona SAE is one of the best programs. They took care of everything that I needed for my time abroad. They helped show me how to apply for my visa, helped with scheduling classes, and arranged housing. The staff on-site are very responsive and willing to help with whatever you need. They planned many cultural events that you could go to, and the school is amazing. I lived in a very cute apartment that came with everything you could need. They made studying abroad very easy and enjoyable. I highly recommend this program.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

If I could do this all over again, I would stay in Barcelona more. I traveled a lot during my time abroad, and it was amazing. However, I wish I had stayed and attended more of the cultural events that I had access to through my program.

Pros

Great education
Many cultural experiences
Great Staff

Cons

Homesickness

I had a truly amazing experience studying abroad in Barcelona. I received tremendous from CEA CAPA, took great classes with effective professors, and experienced one of the most fun cities in the world with great new friends. Other than occasionally having to worry about pick-pocketers, there were no concerns about safety. I had ample time to explore (not only Barcelona), and connect with local culture. I had so many experiences I'll cherish for the rest of my life, and I highly encourage others to try out this experiences (especially if you can get financial aid/scholarships).

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

I was never much of a runner, but I found myself highly motivated and encouraged to explore the city. I went on runs all the time. Although I enjoyed eating out and going to the local bars occasionally, I felt amazing. I spent so much time in the sun, I ate quality food, and I was in great shape.

Pros

Weather/outdoor activity
Nightlife
Affordable

Cons

Pick-pocketers
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AC
Occasional issues with household appliances

Barcelona is the city of many dreams, I heard a lot about it and I decided it was my time to try it out. I flew in the fall of 2025 to start the best journey of my life. From the food, to the locals, to the classes, and to all the international trips. I started off solo, I eventually met my roommate and from there we locked in a very solid friend group. From our many inside jokes, to the sleepovers and the study sessions. My study abroad was something I never wanted to leave. Every day a new memory formed, from getting my metro card stolen ,to ending up in the ER to then catching a flight 2 hours later. The memories I experienced were some I will always hold dear to my chest. The sights I saw were unlike any other. The languages I learned were so helpful. The classes I took actually challenged me and I had to take time out of my day to actually do my homework. My apartment was gorgeous and we had a huge TV, my roommates were awesome and my favorite coffee shop was right around the corner. The metro was my favorite part of the day (except for the traffic at 5 pm). The people I met and the conversations we would have. At the beach all the people coming up to you and asking questions. My experience was one of a kind, I took my time exploring and when it ended, it was like I left a piece of my heart in a different country. Never take it for granted and do everything you can.

What was your funniest moment?

I was walked home from class and my flats got caught on my pants and I fell in the middle of the road when it had just turned green and got honked at by the cars to move

Pros

Prime Location
Amazing Connections
Convenient Travel

Cons

Slower Paced Environment
Rude Older People
Pickpockets

Spending the summer in Barcelona was one of the best experiences of my life! Everyone in the program and the staff were truly amazing. The staff was always there for us and helped us every step of the way. I don't know how my experience would have been without them. The housing was amazing, and the professors were all great; they made my experience so much better and gave us tips and tricks for navigating Barcelona. The locals were always helping. I've been studying Spanish for some time and always wanted to practice. They would correct me if I were wrong, but they were never rude about it. The food was incredible, so many different things to try. The nightlife was super fun, with so many bars and clubs. Traveling out of Barcelona was very easy!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Just do it!! Its a once in a life time opportunity. You do not need to go with friends; you will meet your people there. Everyone was so nice, and I know I made friends that are going to last me a lifetime.

Pros

Food
Nightlife
Staff

Cons

Pickpocketing

Studying abroad is definitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Being able to immerse myself in a different culture and language expanded my worldview, strengthened my independence, and pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. From navigating daily life in a new country to forming meaningful connections with people from around the world, every moment taught me something valuable. It was an amazing, unforgettable experience that shaped both my studies and my sense of self. If you’re still hesitant about studying abroad, stop overthinking it and take the leap, it will change you in the best ways.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

I took my first ever solo trip to Valencia the first month I was in Spain. It was a last minute decision with basically no plans or itinerary. The journey started off with me almost missing my train because I didn't know you have to arrive early for the security check and the station was extremely crowded. But despite a little hiccup in the start, the rest of the trip was one of the most memorable experience of my semester. I talked with other solo travelers in my hostel and shared a table with a stranger for lunch. I think what I learned the most from solo travelling is to not expect anything, the outcome is always more meaningful when you let the experience unfold on its own.

When studying with CEA CAPA in Barcelona, they made my experience unforgettable. They provided my roommates and me with amazing housing in an apartment, and gave us access to all the resources we needed to commute around the city. The school itself is in a prime location in the city center, making it a place I wanted to explore more during and after classes. My professors were knowledgeable, with small class sizes, and they really cared about us as students. They had plenty of information to share, as well as connections to provide students with in the city of Barcelona. Additionally, they were able to help coordinate a volunteer experience for me, where I was helping teach English at a local elementary school. This experience was truly unforgettable, all thanks to CEA CAPA and their staff.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

When stepping into the famous city of Barcelona, it does not have the typical big city atmosphere that many other cities do. I personally loved how much more homey it felt than many other cities, while still having so many options of things to do.

Pros

Great food
Helpful staff

Cons

Pick pocketing!

My time in Barcelona was amazing. As a student that was studying abroad, figuring out where I wanted to go was very stressful. I did a lot of research on where I wanted to go and ended up choosing Barcelona due to its vibrant culture and beautiful architecture. My time there was special. I was able to explore the city, try new foods, and meet locals. Outside of the city I was able to visit over 10 countries through the BCN airport. When in class I was challenged, learning and applying myself while enjoying all the amazing things the city had to offer. If you are thinking about going abroad, choose Barcelona.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

Going to Spain I knew there would be some new and interesting foods I might try. Of course you have paella, a cast iron skillet filled with rice and seafood. This was something I was excited to try. Being from New England the seafood really didn't scare me. However, one time with my friend we ordered steak tartare. It was a dish I had heard of but never experienced. When it came out we didn't know what to think. It looked like an uncooked burger patty. I was really thrown off by the color and the texture. However I tried it and was pleasantly surprised by its flavor. Definitely something I would try again.

Pros

The ability to travel. The Barcelona Airport is super accessible and easy to access. You can take a train directly to it for no cost, or hop on a bus for 8 euro.
The people that work at CEA CAPA. They are super helpful and really put you first. I had so many questions and they were always there to answer them.
The city of Barcelona. It is the coolest most beautiful city that I experienced through all of my travels. It is robust with art, people, and culture. I love it.

Cons

Sometimes the city can smell a little bit weird but its not that bad, you get used to it.
Be prepared to stay out late, the club culture in Barcelona especially as a student is not easy. You go out at 10 and get back at 3.
The tap water is not great, so you need to buy large jugs to keep your water filled. Also no ice which kind of stinks.

Studying abroad in Barcelona was the most incredible experience of my life, but it wouldn't have been possible without the help of CEA CAPA. Adjusting to a new culture, especially one that is vastly different than the United States, was difficult to adapt to at first. However, CEA CAPA assisted us through cultural education, information sessions, and opportunities to interact with the local community, which helped us feel immersed in the culture rather than just visitors. Additionally, I appreciated how a lot of classes took learning outside of the classroom, and let us apply our knowledge around the city.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

You are going to have so much fun exploring the city, going out with friends, and traveling, that it is easy to forget that you are a student first. One thing I would recommend is to set aside time before you do these things to do schoolwork, as afterwards, you are going to be pretty tired.

Questions & Answers

Is there a break from classes during the Fall semester?

No, there is no break during the fall semester however there are a lot of days off for long weekends.

By Courtney King on March 27, 2019

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

The CAPA program represented a unique opportunity for me for a few reasons.

I wanted to go to a Spanish speaking country, which meant that I had the options of mainly South America and Europe. CAPA has opportunities in Argentina and Barcelona; however, after discussing with my high school Spanish teacher, I decided that Barcelona was the right choice for me.

The best part of the CAPA program for making my decision was the ability to have both an internship and school coursework. Being able to understand the city as a working city was a completely novel way to have an abroad experience that showed me the professional style of Spaniards.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

CAPA was a great resource. I had many back and forth emails with CAPA advisors to wade through the red tape of forms and passport certifications. I found the process to be lengthy, but the people were so helpful that I never go very frustrated. I didn't even need to pick my visa up from the consulate: a representative from my school actually went in and grabbed mine along with others themselves to ensure that everything was in order and that we could leave on time.

I must have sent twenty emails to CAPA and my school's Abroad office. They were always helpful and timely with their responses.

View Entire Interview

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Take advantage of small programs and use your internship to boost your unique experience.

Many programs have set itineraries and things they are able to do with students. I found CAPA unique because they were constantly asking what we wanted to do and because we were a small group they could organize fun, intimate experiences in a way that truly couldn't be compared in a large program. With that, I think it's what you make of it.

I challenge someone reading this to seek out things that make them uncomfortable; if you aren't a good dancer, take some salsa lessons (you become better and at worst you do it in a place you might never have to come back to). In general, students should embrace the power of a new environment to explore aspects of themselves that they may not feel comfortable trying back home.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

The program was pretty flexible and allowed me to largely design my own within the parameters of certain class times and hour requirements. I personally was able to do all of my classes and internship hours between Monday and Thursday, which left me with a three-day weekend to travel or explore places farther away in the city.

I would usually have class in the morning and go straight to my internship or vice versa on days when I had afternoon classes. Everything was close enough that I could seamlessly move between places without issue.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear of going abroad was that I wouldn't do enough to have an authentic experience in the country where I was going.

I worried I would be another American tourist who didn't immerse himself in the language and instead stayed with my tribe and partied. I never fully overcame it; I think that's something that takes a longer period of time to truly experience whereas I was only there 4 months. However, I also acknowledge that a truly authentic experience is one in which you allow yourself to be inspired and curious about things that are different from what you are used to.

I took salsa/bachata classes because I had never experienced a culture of dance as there was in Spain. I had roommates who were fluent in Spanish, so I regularly tried to speak to them in Spanish and wasn't offended when they tried to correct my speech.

My new view is that it isn't about coming back a changed person with a perfect understanding of the culture: it's about challenging yourself and being willing to embrace the fact that your way of doing things is just one of the many different approaches to tackling life.

Try new things and you may surprise yourself.

What is one thing you wish more study abroad students did/what is one mistake others often make?

I had many friends study abroad at the same time that I went. They had amazing experiences and a lot of fun. However, upon talking with them and looking at other people in similar programs that I interacted with, I found that, rather than trying new things and embracing the discomfort of a new place, most students decided instead to find friend groups within their program and set about surrounding themselves with others like them and eating/congregating around places that remind them of home.

While I often had this feeling, I would go to these places and do these things when I was feeling overwhelmed or homesick, but not as a regular habit. I think too often students who study abroad take the fact that they are in another country as a sign that they are getting a cultural experience.

In a modern world, it is too easy to set back into your own culture, especially in other Western countries whose values resemble our own. I am not perfect and I found myself doing these same habitual behaviors from time to time, which is why I want to stress the importance of being brave enough to meet and engage with people who aren't like yourself, that is where you really start to learn.

Lauren Giese

2019 Alum

Sadie Biale

2017 Alum

Sierra Newell

2016 Alum

Kathleen Mcpherson

2015 Alum

Shane Heckman

Mark Brewster

Katrina Escudero

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What has been your career path so far and what position do you currently hold?

headshot barcelona Michele Friedmann

Michele: I am a Graduate Intern pursuing a master’s degree in international education at SIT doing my 6- month internship with Barcelona SAE. I will spend 3 months in Fort Collins where my role includes being a student and program advisor, promoting our programs through study abroad fairs and utilizing social media to better market our program. In January I will go to Barcelona for 3 months where I will continue to act as student advisor as well as help with cultural activities and excursions. Previous to graduate school, I taught special education in Steamboat Springs, CO for 5 years.

Did YOU have the chance to study abroad?!

Michele: While in college I studied abroad for two semesters, and spent half of my student teaching semester abroad. My parents always enjoyed traveling and took my brother and I along often on overseas trips. They always encouraged us to travel every chance we could. My older brother studied abroad in London in college and I knew I wanted to study overseas too. My first semester abroad was to Australia at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. While over there I heard a lot about Semester At Sea from a friend and saw neat pictures from the excursion. I applied to Semester at Sea while in Australia and went the next semester. We had the option to spend half of our student teaching semester teaching in London. I taught grades 5 and 6 at Hampstead Heath in London for 2 months. All of these experienced inspired me to pursue a career in the field.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful study abroad company?

Michele: I think that support and communication are the biggest factors in being a successful study abroad company. Without those two things, it makes it very difficult for a student to feel comfortable and secure in their decision to go abroad. These two factors also help make the students’ experience successful and enjoyable.

michele Friedmann barcelona

Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?

Michele: Language learning and cultural immersion are important in order to really get to know the people and customs of a new culture. I feel it is a sign of respect to get to know a little of the language of the place you are going, and it makes locals more willing and able to communicate with you. One can only truly get to know a place by being completely immersed.

Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of the SAE team.

Michele: I am relatively new to the Barcelona SAE team but there have been several instances when I felt especially proud to be a part of this amazing organization. When I go to study abroad fairs and students eagerly approach my table with a huge smile on their face explaining that they’ve heard great things about our program and they hope to study abroad in Barcelona- that is when I definitely feel proud to be a part of Barcelona SAE.

Location

Location:

Barcelona

Currency:

Euro

Weather:

Jan-Mar

61 F / 41 F

Apr-Jun

77 F / 48 F

Jul-Sep

84 F / 57 F

Oct-Dec

72 F / 43 F

Airports:

Barcelona–El Prat

( BCN )

Whether you prefer beaches, buildings, or history, Barcelona is the place to be. Spend your time admiring Gaudi's work at La Sagrada Familia, walking down the Mar Bella beach, or learning about the history in Catalonia.

About CEA CAPA Education Abroad

With 22 destinations across 13 countries, CEA CAPA Education Abroad offers an ideal balance of academics, internships, and adventure to more than 4,000 students each year. Click on “Visit Site” to explore our study and internship opportunities and find out just out how far international education can take you. Why study abroad or complete an...