Location
  • Spain
    • Barcelona
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, Work study, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

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
Jun 28, 2023
Sep 29, 2024
104 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, CETT- University of Barcelona and ESADE Business School. 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!

Video and Photos

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.

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.

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

4.89 Rating
based on 84 reviews
  • 5 rating 90.48%
  • 4 rating 8.33%
  • 3 rating 1.19%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.15
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.9
  • Housing 4.65
  • Safety 4.7
Showing 1 - 8 of 84 reviews
Default avatar
Valentina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Studying Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain earlier this year and experienced the best 4 months of my life! If I could go back and do this experience again, I would. Barcelona is now some place I can consider somewhere I would like to live. The social scene is unbeatable filled with so much history and beautiful architecture. It is in a great location to plan other travels and the food is fantastic! There was never a dull moment or a time where I was bored. The beach is beautiful and so many activities nearby.

2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Reese
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

BEST MONTH OF MY LIFE

I loved studying abroad in Barcelona because it gave me the ability to immerse myself in a different culture all while still feeling safe and secure. It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone at first but I am so grateful it did! Had I not studied abroad I would have never been able to see Barcelona and all the amazing qualities it offers. Studying abroad allowed me to come out of my shell as an introvert and truly become a confident more sophisticated version of myself. The city is absolutely beautiful and filled with opportunities and unique experiences. Although it's big, I never felt alone or overwhelmed due to the incredible and supportive CEA staff. I can not recommend Barcelona and the CEA CAPA team enough!!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My number one tip I would share with all interested students is to pack light but make sure to pack the little things. Pack light meaning do not bring all your clothes and shoes, because you will without a doubt buy more there! The shopping is amazing in Barcelona so you will want to save room in your suitcase for that. Most importantly don't forget to pack the little things-- hairbrush, dry shampoo, chargers, face wash, shampoo/conditoner, etc. All the little things you use on a daily basis at home will be just as important to bring with you on your trip! My last piece of advice is to travel as much as possible on the weekends. Europe is filled with beautiful remarkable cities and countries that you won't want to miss out on. The flights are pretty cheap and traveling with your freinds/roomates is an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. I can't recommend that enough!
Pros
  • Easy transportation
  • amazing location - lots to do
  • incredible food filled with variety
Cons
  • lots of walking- i personally didn't mind but it can be hard for others
  • a good bit of homeless people/beggars in the main city
  • pick pocketing!!! be aware of yourself and your belongings AT ALL TIMES!
5 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Hayley
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time in Barcelona with CEA CAPA

My time is Barcelona was amazing and life changing like everyone says when they go abroad. I have never been to a city I loved so much and CEA made it even more enjoyable with interactive workshops you could sign up for included in the program cost and support with daily tasks such as getting metro cards and transportation. My favorite interactive activity I did was the tapa cooking class where we were met by a local chef and prepared 10 different tapas and the Flamenco class I took with a local Flamenco dancer.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would live with a host family. One of the biggest reasons I elected to go to Barcelona was to improve my Spanish however by living in an apartment I did not practice my Spanish nearly as much as my peers who lived with host families who only spoke Spanish. Especially since the majority of the city can speak English, I highly recommend this!
Pros
  • Cultural immersion: I took classes at a local university
  • Rich History: taken to museums and historical sites with the program
Cons
  • My housing was not ideal- apartment was very old, many things broken and water was turned off several times
  • Not a lot of class options and classes that were academically challenging
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kaitlyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CEA CAPA Barcelona, Spain

I absolutely loved my time abroad with CEA CAPA in Barcelona, Spain. I found amazing roommates through the housing portal and loved my class (Contemporary Spain: History, Politics, and Society) which enhanced my local engagement and knowledge on the impact that Barcelona, Spain had in the scheme of political history. I fell in love with the city and I know that I will be back again! The city is easy to navigate, full of beauty, and nothing can beat having an amazing city alongside the beach! In addition, I felt supported by the CEA CAPA staff before leaving, while abroad, and even after. I felt at ease knowing that I had resources available to help, if needed, and that the CEA CAPA staff truly cared about my well-being. Thus, I honestly cannot recommend this program enough!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers would be to explore as much as you can and to not wait until the end of your session to do the things you want! Unfortunately, time flies so do not feel like you have to wait to do the things you want to while abroad. In addition, use your location to your advantage and explore! Thus, exploring is important and debatably the best part of going abroad so explore your city and explore the world around you!
Pros
  • The Ability to Travel
  • The Amazing Food and Culture
  • The Most Beautiful City
Cons
  • Loud Construction in our Housing Apartment
7 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Pele
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad in Barcelona

My experience in Barcelona was incredibly valuable. Living abroad brings many unknowns, and it is crucial for students to feel supported during the experience. The resources provided by the CEA CAPA team made the entire pre-departure and arrival process feel comfortable and encouraging. There were many opportunities to meet others in the program, attend weekend trips, and volunteer in the local community. I would certainly recommend this program to anyone who values adventure, personal growth, academics, cultural immersion, and gaining new experiences.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
When living abroad for a limited time, many students want to travel frequently; even as much as every weekend. While it is fun and exciting to see so many new places, I'd recommend spending as much time in your host city as possible!
Pros
  • Volunteer and internship opportunities
  • Excursions
  • Cultural immersion activities
Cons
  • Very large program
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Olivia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester in Barcelona

When considering studying abroad I had so many questions about how spending four months in a foreign country would be. Looking back on it now, I am so grateful for the experiences I gained abroad; getting to live in a new city, seeing so many beautiful places, trying new foods and experiencing different cultures. I studied through the CEA CAPA center, where I was provided with an amazing support from the time I signed up and throughout my semester in Barcelona. I lived in an apartment building that was a fifteen minute commute to school and the city center. The building was a mix of students from my program and locals. I lived a ten minute walk from the Sagrada Familia and enjoyed exploring in the neighborhood I lived in. I loved riding the metro each morning and checking out local shops and restaurants after school. Overall I had an unforgettable experience studying abroad and truly treasure all my time there.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would recommend to anyone traveling abroad to plan ahead, but always remain flexible. There are so many moving parts when traveling and so many things that can go wrong, especially in a foreign country. Some of my most spontaneous and last minute plans were the most fun and memorable.
Pros
  • Cultural immersion
  • Personal growth
  • Traveling to new countries
Cons
  • Language barrier
  • Culture shock
  • Expensive
7 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Hannah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Semester Ever

My time abroad in Barcelona was by far the highlight of college (so far, even though I don't think anything else will top it.) The staff made sure we were supported every step of the way and ensured we were constantly in the know about everything.
Throughout the program they had lots of little day trips already planned for us which made it super easy to get totally immersed in the culture and community just by being able to see so much of the country through the eyes and guidance of the locals!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar food I ate was Spanish food in general. I had never had it before my trip.
Pros
  • Lots of food options
Cons
  • Its hard to get accustomed to the eating times
10 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Addison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Studying in Barcelona: A Blend of Culture, Nightlife, and Affordable Living

I studied in Barcelona, Spain with CEA CAPA Study Abroad. I took some of my core business and management classes, a Spanish class, and two fun classes, Art and Architecture, and Food and Culture in Spain. Most of my courses were very easy and not too much work. Barcelona itself is such an amazing city to visit as a young adult. Firstly, the cost of living is so cheap. Food, drinks, groceries, and clothing are so much cheaper than in the US and much better quality. The nightlife is also so incredible. Whether you like small intimate bars or huge nightclubs, there is a bit of everything. I always felt safe in this city and while I do think you should always be with a group, I never felt like a target or like my safety was at risk.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
One nerve-racking moment that I experienced was when I went to Ibiza with some of my friends I met on this program, and when we were on our way to the airport to fly back to Barcelona, we got a message that all of the flights were cancelled for that day because there was a small fire at the airport. We were freaking out and trying to book new flights but everything was booked for the next three days, but we had class the next day, on Monday. So after lots of stress and phone calls, we found a 8 hour cargo ship that was leaving soon and so we decided to get a ticket for the ship and we made it safely back to Barcelona early Monday morning. Crazy experience.
Pros
  • They offer a hybrid program option, where you can take classes at the CEA CAPA in English, and also take classes at a local univiersity, giving students the opportunity to experience a local school with local students and teachers.
  • Barcelona has a very low cost of living and flights from Barcelona are very cheap
Cons
  • Everyone speaks english and often don't want to practice Spanish with you (just keep trying.)
9 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

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