I loved my time abroad, it was the best 4 months of my life and I do not regret it for a second. Barcelona was amazing and I feel the best city to have as a home base. You are close tot he airport, the weather is warmer then the rest of Europe, and you have a beach and city at you disposal. I never ran out of things do or restaurants to try and having my classes in the city center helped me explore the city. There were slight problems with housing and communication with teachers when it came to expectations.

I had always wanted to travel the world and experience what other cultures and nationalities had to offer. After studying abroad, I can say that it exceeded my expectations in every way possible. From the people I met in the program to the locals I met in every different country, I can confidently say that my entire perspective on life and the world has been changed forever. The support from the CEA CAPA staff made me feel very confident and safe when traversing Barcelona and when looking for pieces of advice. The staff were locals, and knew many good restaurants and things to do. It seemed like every single day I was doing something different that helped change my entire perspective on my day-to-day life. I was consistently meeting new people who shared the same ideals and goals as me, and connected with them like no other.

Studying abroad in Barcelona was one of the most transformative experiences of my life, and it’s something I believe every student should consider. Living in another country pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible. It wasn’t just about traveling or taking classes in a new place it was about learning to see the world from a different perspective, meeting people from all kinds of backgrounds, and immersing myself in a culture that was both new and welcoming.

One of the most rewarding parts of studying abroad was the friendships I built. I met students from all over the globe, each bringing their own stories, traditions, and outlooks. Sharing meals, exploring the city together, and even navigating challenges made me realize how much we can learn from one another when we open ourselves up to new cultures. These connections gave me a sense of community even though I was far from home, and many of them turned into friendships I know will last long beyond the program.

The experiences themselves made it unforgettable. From exploring Gaudí’s art and architecture to tasting authentic Spanish cuisine, every day felt like an opportunity to discover something new. One highlight was attending the Primavera Sound Festival, which perfectly captured the cultural mix of Barcelona. Surrounded by people from all over the world, I saw how music and art can unite people across languages and borders. Little moments, like walking through the Gothic Quarter, enjoying tapas with new friends, or sitting by the beach after a long night, all became part of a larger story about growth, independence, and connection.

Studying abroad taught me how to be adaptable, independent, and curious. More than anything, it showed me the value of embracing new perspectives and experiences. For anyone considering it, I would say go because it’s not just about the places you’ll see, but about the person you’ll become along the way.

I could not recommend the CEA CAPA Barcelona center more. The school is literally in the city center of Barcelona with metro stops all around it for easy access. The facilities were amazing, the building was always clean and the classrooms were in amazing condition. The staff at this location were some of the best people I've ever met. They are all around out age and are willing to do anything to help you. There are free events and weekend trips that CEA plans which is something that I think everyone doing this program should take advantage of. The professors are mostly all local and are more than willing to give you recommendations for food and activities. They are also amazing support and amazing teachers.

I went abroad by myself and wow was it the most incredible four months of my life! Randomly, I was put in the most amazing housing location and with the help of surverys and CEA CAPA's housing assignment, I was assigned to live with four other girls who were all incredible. The four of us had the most amazing time immersing our self in the Spanish culture, traveling the world, eating goof food and most important laughter! CEA CAPA's ability to place me with girls who are now my best friends, changed the experience for me.

Additionally, my classes were amazing - most of them somehow related to Spanish culture, history, language which made this experience so unique. The extra-curricular activities (tapas making class, hiking Mount Tibadabo, BCN futbol games) provided were all incredible and gave me a chance to see more of the city in my free time.

I would 100% recommend this program if you want to immerse yourself in a new culture, travel the world, eat good food, and meet amazing people.

Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, but I wasn’t sure it would ever be financially possible—until I found the Barcelona SAE HBCU scholarship program. Not only did they offer me the HBCU Todos scholarship and automatic grants, but they also allowed me to use my financial aid to cover the remaining costs. Because of that support, I was able to study in Barcelona at zero out-of-pocket cost. That alone was such a blessing.

As a Black woman, I was nervous about how I might be perceived abroad. While I did experience moments of being stared at, for the most part, I felt safe—even walking alone at night. That sense of safety helped me enjoy and explore the city more freely and confidently.

To any students considering this program, especially those planning to take Elementary Spanish while abroad: take some time beforehand to study the basics—like conjugations, common verbs, colors, food, and clothing vocabulary. The entire course is taught in Spanish, and that was a challenge for me at first. But even through the hard moments, the Barcelona SAE staff and mentors truly had my back. They were always available, encouraging, and ready to help whenever I needed anything.

This program changed my life, opened my eyes to new cultures, and gave me the confidence to push through difficulties and grow. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity and recommend it to any HBCU student dreaming of going abroad.

My time studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was truly unforgettable and one of the best experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I felt supported by the CEA CAPA staff, who made the transition to living in a new country feel so easy and exciting. The program provided the perfect balance of academics, cultural immersion, and travel opportunities. Most importantly, CEA CAPA gave me the chance to grow personally and academically. I left Barcelona with new friends from all over the world, a deeper appreciation for Spanish and Catalan culture, and memories I’ll never forget.

Would highly recommend this program. There are many activities within the program included that help you immerse into the culture and even go on trips (Madrid, Pyrenees mountains). Everything is very well-organized and the staff/professors are super kind and helpful. I also was on a team for the study abroad soccer league which was really fun. The classes are engaging and help you learn more about your host city, but are not too demanding so you still have time to travel and explore. Housing was very close to campus and in a good neighborhood. Definitely would recommend for college students.