My semester in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life. I absolutely loved Barcelona and being a student under CEA CAPA, as I was easily able to combine coursework with cultural immersion, gaining both professional skills and personal growth that will help me throughout the rest of my life.

CEA CAPA provided a strong academic structure while also encouraging independence and exploration. My professors brought unique international perspectives, often connecting lessons to real-world issues in Europe. The program staff were supportive, approachable, and genuinely invested in helping students make the most of their time abroad, whether that was through navigating classes, planning excursions, or offering career guidance.

Living in Barcelona also allowed me to experience the rich blend of Catalan and Spanish cultures firsthand. From exploring Gaudí’s architecture to trying local tapas and participating in neighborhood festivals, I felt fully immersed in the city’s vibrant lifestyle - something that was really important to be for my abroad experience. Even though Spanish is widely spoken, being in Barcelona also introduced me to Catalan culture, which added another layer of cultural understanding. The program encouraged us to step outside of our comfort zones, helping us practice the language and connect with locals.

CEA CAPA’s emphasis on experiential learning was invaluable to me, as I was able to apply classroom concepts to real-world contexts through activities, site visits, and group projects in my classes. These opportunities not only expanded my global perspective, but also strengthened my skills of adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving.

Studying abroad also challenged me to become a more independent, flexible, and confident woman. Navigating a new city, traveling across Europe, and balancing academics with cultural exploration pushed me to grow in ways I never expected, but really did hope for. I left Barcelona with lifelong friends, a ton of unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for global perspectives.

I highly recommend CEA CAPA (Barcelona especially!) to any student considering studying abroad. The program has the perfect balance between academic rigor, cultural exploration, and personal support. My time in Barcelona not only enriched my college experience but also shaped the way I see the world and approach my future goals.

I studied abroad in Barcelona during the spring semester of my junior year, and it was by far the best decision of my college career. I decided to go abroad even though I didn’t know anyone else leaving our home campus for four months, stepping into the unfamiliar. That uncertainty became one of the most rewarding parts of the experience, as I quickly made lifelong friends who were in the same situation.

During those four months, we explored the streets of Barcelona, tried new foods, and navigated Spanish while shopping. We would walk to class together, often leaving early to explore the city along the way. Traveling around Europe added another layer of adventure, creating chaotic yet unforgettable memories that I’ll always cherish. Returning to the U.S., I feel so lucky to reconnect with both new friends from home and those I met abroad, reliving those memories while continuing to create new ones.

While the friendships and adventures were the highlight, the academic experience was equally invaluable. The classes connected our curriculum to current events in local areas and across Europe, providing a unique, real-world perspective. The professors were passionate and knowledgeable as they had studied or lived abroad themselves, so they understood our perspective as students navigating a new country. Their expertise, combined with their local insight, made learning engaging and relevant. Field trips throughout the city complemented the lessons perfectly, allowing us to explore Barcelona while seeing our curriculum come to life. Learning in a different country provided an experience that was truly transformative, both personally and academically.

My study abroad experience with CEA CAPA in Barcelona was truly transformative. From the moment I arrived, I felt a sense of belonging in the local culture. I explored neighborhoods, dined at family-owned restaurants, attended cultural events like Carnival, and practiced my Spanish daily. Participating in CAPA’s Meet the Local program was more than just a way to connect with local students through fun activities such as bowling and laser tag. It was a gateway to forming friendships that extended beyond the organized events, making me feel like a part of the community.

CEA CAPA also offered Café Olé, a unique way to practice Spanish and meet new people in the program through games and social interactions. The AICAP activities, including a tapas-making class, a weekend trip to Valencia, a winery day trip, and attending an FC Barcelona game, offered me unique experiences that enriched my time in Barcelona and the surrounding region.
Additionally, I volunteered with a nonprofit organization that supports cancer patients and their families. I created handmade arts and crafts roses to deliver on the Catalan holiday of love, Clúster i Comunitat Sant Jordi. This was a significant way to give back to the community.

What made my experience truly exceptional was the support and care from the CAPA staff. During midterms and finals, the program organized thoughtful wellness activities, including 10-minute neck massages, yoga, sound therapy, and Pilates. The staff also provided academic support, helping us navigate the challenges of studying in a new environment. These small gestures and the overall support system demonstrated how much the staff genuinely cared about our well-being, helping me stay balanced and focused throughout the semester.

Overall, my time abroad was a journey of personal and cultural growth. Between exploring Barcelona, volunteering, participating in CAPA and AICAP activities, and benefiting from the incredible support of the staff, my study abroad experience was a testament to the potential for growth and discovery. It was a time filled with unforgettable memories that continue to inspire me.

CEA CAPA is the best thing I have ever done. I was originally hesitant about going abroad with an outside company, but the experience felt so right for me-- like fate. I lived with an incredible host family (whom I still keep in touch with), who helped me improve my Spanish, feel at home, and learn about Catalan culture. CEA offered so many incredible experiences for free, like an FC Barcelona game, which can cost hundreds of dollars. The program let me meet students from other universities, too, and I have plans to visit them! My host city was Barcelona, and it offers a rich culture, fun nightlife, and amazing food. By far the best program in my opinion. I would 100000% recommend going to anyone who is on the fence!

I appreciate the doors CEA CAPA opened and the community it offered! As my summer program in Barcelona was only 5 weeks, I was worried I wouldn’t have the opportunity to see as much of Barcelona, or Spain, as I wanted, but the CEA CAPA center planned a variety of activities and excursions in Barcelona and in other cities. The opportunity to go to numerous museums and historical sites in Barcelona paired with the chance to travel to Valencia, Girona, and other cities in Catalonia was an incredible opportunity I never would have gotten to experience with another program. Not only did it contribute to the academic aspect of study abroad but it allowed me to explore my interests with local tour guides and in local settings. Additionally, the hospitable and generous CEA CAPA staff made my study abroad experience incredibly comfortable and enriching. I was nervous going into this program as I had never utilized Spanish outside of a classroom setting, but the CEA CAPA staff immediately put me at ease and was always encouraging and accommodating with my use of Spanish. I enjoyed getting the opportunity to get to know the staff and their traditions and lifestyles through lunches, excursions, and time at the CEA CAPA center. These factors deeply contributed to the value of my program by deepening my immersion experience.

If you’re looking for a city with a LIVELY night life scene Barcelona is definitely your place. Always something to do each night of the week and location is so good. There’s a major airport 25 min away from city center so it’s super easy to travel basically anywhere. The city is also super navigable and walkable and the metro is really easy to figure out and super inexpensive. CEA CAPA as a program is so awesome as well. They understand that students are here to get the most out of their experience as possible and really cater to that. There are so many regular classes to choose from that count towards so many majors and not just electives which is so good because a lot of people are afraid studying abroad will push them behind. You can literally take math classes if you need to. CEA also doesn’t have school on Fridays because they know that a lot of students are there to travel Europe so its really flexible and nice the way the schedule is set up.

Studying abroad with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences of my life. From the beginning, the program staff was incredibly supportive, making the transition to a new country smooth and welcoming. The orientation, excursions, and cultural activities helped me feel not only prepared but also truly immersed in the local culture.

The academics were engaging and well structured, providing the perfect balance between classroom learning and real-world exploration. I loved how the courses connected to the city and culture around me, making everything I learned feel meaningful and relevant.

Beyond academics, the personal growth I experienced was invaluable. Living abroad taught me independence, adaptability, and gave me friendships and memories I will carry forever. The program team went above and beyond to ensure we had a safe, enriching, and unforgettable experience.

I can confidently say that choosing CEA CAPA was one of the best decisions I’ve made during college. I highly recommend this program to anyone considering studying abroad. You will not only gain academic knowledge, but also grow personally in ways you never expected.

To be honest, I was extremely nervous to study abroad. I was hesitant about where to go. I really wanted to go to Spain, but most of my friends were going to Italy or were not studying abroad at all. However, I knew it was something I wanted to do, and it ended up being the best four months of my life. I had the most amazing random roommates who made my experience so good, and I met so many new friends. Barcelona itself was the perfect home base; it had a big international airport, easy public transportation, great food, beautiful architecture, amazing shopping, and both city and beach life. There was always something new to do or explore. There were some issues with our housing and some classes, but overall it was an amazing experience!