Study

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)

Hosted by

CEA CAPA Education Abroad

4.91 (180 reviews)

Good for

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

Learn More

View Other Details

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!

Visit Site

Apply Now

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

View All 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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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 17 - 24 of 180 reviews

Today marks the end of my Fall 2025 semester with Barcelona SAE. Through the program, I was able to live in a homestay and attend classes at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona.

Living in a homestay has meant the world to me. I lived with a mother and her 16 year old daughter, as well as another girl in my program. I ate dinner with them almost every day which helped my Spanish immensely and also meant I got to learn more about Spain and its culture. It also helped me save money because I was provided dinners, breakfasts, and had my laundry done for me weekly.

I loved my classes at UAB. I took the Seven Wonders of Spain, where we went to a new architectural site in Barcelona every class. I also took Spanish 4 days a week, which was my favorite Spanish class I have ever taken. I also took Spanish Civilization and Culture, where I was able to learn about Spain’s history from pre-history up to today. Finally, I took Politics of the Developing World, which I loved so much that it inspired an independent research project I will be starting next semester.

However, because I was both in a homestay and going to UAB and not SAE’s academic center (SIS), I didn’t get to know many students in my program. All of the friends I made were through the school I went to instead. It worked out fine for me, but for someone who is more introverted I would not recommend this program if they are planning on doing a homestay and going to another university. But, from what I have seen, the people staying in the apartments and going to the SIS center were able to create strong friendships with other people in the SAE program.

At the beginning of the program, SAE took us to a Cava tasting and Sitges. It was a fun way to get to know the people in my program. However, I do wish they had given us a better guide of Barcelona. As some of my friends in other programs were taken on a bus tour and to famous sites in Barcelona. Then throughout the semester they offered Friday excursions. I went to Montserrat with SAE, which was so incredible. I am so thankful for being able to go on that day trip. I also was able to go to Girona and Calella through SAE. There are many programs that included a one weekend trip as a part of their cost, however SAE did not include this as an option. I think this would have been a nice way to meet more people in the program.

Another issue I would mention is that all of the universities we went to started on different days, however everyone in the program came at the same time. UAB started a full week earlier than the rest of the schools, so we were given a lot less time to adjust, learn about the culture, and get to know people in our program before jumping into classes.

All in all, I really enjoyed my time here in Barcelona and would 100% recommend this as a destination for studying abroad. While there is nothing SAE did wrong, it doesn’t necessarily stand out to me as the best program provided, especially when compared to the experiences of my friends in other programs.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My biggest recommendation is saying yes to everything you can. The experience can get tiring but I never regretted saying yes to a night out, a trip, a lunch with friends, or a day of sight seeing.

Pros

Growing in my spanish.
Immersing myself in a new culture and meeting new people.
Experiencing things I would have never been able to if I were living in the US.

Cons

Feelings on loneliness.
Homesickness.
Adjusting to a completely new routine.

I completely fell in love with Barcelona, and CEA made my experience unforgettable. As a Student Ambassador, I connected with the staff beyond the classroom and on my birthday they even surprised me with brownies! My professors were hilarious and engaging, and I was pushed to excel through interactive classes and field trips. I genuinely enjoyed commuting to and from class each day, and the class format gave me the freedom to explore after school and travel on the weekends. I genuinely think about abroad every day and I yearn for reliving my experience!

Pros

Cultural Immersion
Student Support
Flexible Class Structure

Going abroad with CEA CAPA was so amazing. I couldn't have asked for better support before and after my program. The opportunities to get involved with the local community were my favorite part. I got to participate in activities like "Meet the Locals," where I got to feel connected to my home city. Also, the excursions that were offered really added to my experience. The free weekend in Valencia was one of my favorite trips of the whole semester. I got to meet more people in my program and go to a city I probably wouldn't have gone to before.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Take every opportunity that you can! The time in the program goes really fast so say "yes" to everything.

Pros

Great support
Affordable

Cons

Not enough scholarships

I honestly think CEA CAPA was the perfect choice for my time abroad. They made the whole experience incredibly safe and fun, which let me relax and enjoy everything Barcelona had to offer. The classes were great, but what made the biggest difference was how passionate and knowledgeable the local professors were. They didn't just teach the material; they truly brought Spanish culture and history to life. Having that supportive and secure base allowed me to feel confident enough to explore the city, travel, and truly gain a global perspective.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My biggest piece of advice for future travelers is to get outside of your comfort zone every single day. Don't be afraid to take classes taught in the local language, skip the tourist spots to eat at neighborhood restaurants, and talk to people who aren't in your program. Your biggest growth happens when things feel a little awkward, so push yourself to fully embrace the local culture and talk to as many local people as possible.

Pros

Safe
Fun
Good classes

Studying abroad in Barcelona was truly one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The location of our housing allowed us to be truly immersed in the culture of the city, which was so full of life and energy. Getting to shadow abroad internationally through the CEA CAPA Atlantis program was a life-changing experience and enabled me to see the inner workings of Spanish hospitals and how they were both similar but different to hospitals in the United States. Everyday felt like a new opportunity to learn - not just in the hospital settings, but also through the city, the people, and the experiences that came with living abroad.

I absolutely loved my time in Barcelona, and my experience through CEA CAPA made me want to move there after college! From the amazing support staff and facilities at the city center, to my beautiful apartment in the heart of the city, all the activities CEA CAPA provided us, and my kind and helpful teacher, Loli, I had the best time of my life. I went on the program with friends from my university, but I was also able to meet so many new people, specifically in my advanced Spanish class. We even created a groupchat and went out to dinner a couple of times throughout the program. I would go back in a heartbeat and I give CEA CAPA 100 gold stars!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

Gazpacho was new for me, but it tasted really good! We did a tapas cooking class through CEA CAPA and had the best time making so many different dishes.

CEA CAPA was incredibly supportive and encouraging throughout the entire program. Barcelona was a big city with so much opportunity, culture, parks, and varied landscapes. CEA CAPA helped make the city feel comfortable by offering excursions like tickets to an FCB game, a trip to Valencia, tapas workshops and more to help us acclimate to the city with direction. The classes were fun and related to the city which I loved, and the support was 24/7. Barcelona was such a great city to live in overall.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

To future travelers, I recommend walking around the city with no end location in mind. I think allowing yourself to get lost and explore what feels the most interesting or entrancing to you is a great way to familiarize yourself with the city and the area you live in.

This program catapulted me into a new era of my life, which I would call the best one yet. My professors were so kind, helpful, and accessible. I learned so many valuable skills that I wouldn't have learned had I stayed in my American university's classes. most notably, public speaking and presentation skills.

The area that CEA CAPA is in was perfect for students, centered in a busy area there was a plethora of shops and restaurants, as well as transportation for easy access. The staff at CEA CAPA were extremely kind in setting up activities, helping with general questions, pointing us towards stores for supplies, and overall recommendations.

I learned so much about myself on this experience and I can't recommend it enough!

What was your funniest moment?

My funniest moment was definitely when I first arrived, trying to speak the language with locals and totally butchering half of the words. I tried to ask a pharmacist for tissues and it ended in us both crying from laughing so hard.

Pros

Accessible
Flexible
High-quality education

Cons

Expensive
Language barriers

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...