CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

Name: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain
Brand: CEA CAPA Education Abroad
SKU: 15924
Rating: 4.9 (113 reviews)

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4.90 Rating

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Location

Spain
- Barcelona

Term

Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter

Subject Areas

Accounting Advertising Art History Business Communications Cultural Studies Design Economics Education Engineering Environmental Studies European Studies Film Finance History Hospitality Humanities International Business International Relations Journalism Law Linguistics Literature Marketing Philosophy Photography Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Sciences Sociology Sports Science Tourism +23

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: Jun 28, 2023

Last Reviewed: Mar 20, 2025

Wish List

107 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!

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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

4.90 Rating

based on 113 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Study

5 rating 91.15%
4 rating 7.96%
3 rating 0.88%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 4.2
Support 4.8
Fun 4.9
Housing 4.6
Safety 4.7

Good for Students, Adventure travelers, Foodies

Showing 49 - 56 of 113 reviews

I loved this experience! All the staff was accommodating, especially regarding housing issues, outside activities, and trips through Cea. I am so grateful I got to experience this, and I loved it so much that it also makes me think about moving to Europe (especially Barcelona). Everywhere I went was breathtaking and it was so cheap to travel to different places. I could have definitely stayed for 4 months in this program (but with air conditioning trust me it is worth it when it is hot!) This was a great experience, and I will always carry it with me in so many ways.

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

One thing I would change is how much I packed. When they say to pack lightly they are not kidding! Even though you are in a different country, they have about 90% of what you think they wouldn't have and what you use daily. Plus, you will want to do a lot of shopping, there are a lot of new places to shop at that you cannot get in the U.S.

Pros

Gained a lot of knowledge
Met some amazing people
Saw a whole new part of the world

Cons

Getting scabies
Cockroaches in my housing

Studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was the best decision I have made thus far in my academic career. I have never been one to take risks and explore outside of my comfort zone, so there was a large intimidation factor when I decided to study abroad. Never could I have imagined how amazing my experience in Barcelona was—from the food, the people, the sights, etc., everything about my time abroad was spectacular and something I would do again a thousand times over. The people I met while abroad are my life long friends and I thank CEA CAPA for that.

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

The most nerve-racking moment during my time abroad in Barcelona was when I had to tell a taxi driver my intended destination completely in Spanish. I remember being extremely nervous and questioning whether I would be able to effectively communicate. In the end the nerves subsided and the taxi driver was completely understanding and helped me with my Spanish skills. After that first time giving an address in Spanish I felt much more confident in myself and was way less scared of speaking in Spanish from that point on.

Pros

Meeting new people.
Traveling to new places.
Being immersed in a new culture.

I loved living in the heart of Barcelona. I got to engage in my city by taking a Spanish course at the University of Barcelona, volunteering at a local Spanish high school, and traveling around Europe for many of the weekends, as we had no class on Fridays. The most important things to me during my study abroad were: making meaningful connections with other students by putting myself out there, and maintaining hobbies and routines I had at home in order to get used to the big change of lifestyle.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My advice to future travelers on this program is to enjoy every moment of it, because it goes by so fast. Put yourself out there in any way you can, and plan weekend trips in advance.

Pros

Ability to travel around Europe
The big city of Barcelona has everything you could need.
Organized weekend trips with CEA were great

Cons

It was hard to learn Spanish as it is such an international city and many people know and speak English to you.
Not very much nature, so choose Barcelona knowing it is a big and busy city.

The CEA CAPA building was in the heart of the city - there was always stuff to do, cool stores to shop at, and amazing restaurants nearby. The staff was very helpful and the program was fun, plus the classes were insightful. I would definitely reccommend this program! There was a lot of support and everyone in the program was very kind. My favorite part were the sports set up by CEA CAPA such as the soccer team. Every week we had soccer games and it was such a fun way to get involved and meet new people.

Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Kali! Barcelona is beautiful and I'm so glad you had such a fun semester. Thanks for sharing your recommendation and feedback!

By Taylor Coulson on May 22, 2024

When I set foot in Barcelona, I was enchanted by its vibrant energy, rich culture, and breathtaking architecture. My time in this captivating city was remarkable and filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories.

Exploring the streets of Barcelona felt like stepping into a living, breathing masterpiece. The iconic works of Antoni Gaudí, such as the mesmerizing Sagrada Família and the whimsical Park Güell, left me in awe of his genius and creativity. Each intricate detail told a story, weaving together the past and present of this remarkable city.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

To future travelers heading to Barcelona, my advice is to embrace the city's rich culture and vibrant energy by immersing yourself in its diverse offerings. Go beyond the iconic landmarks to discover hidden gems tucked away in charming neighborhoods, indulge in the delicious local cuisine, and engage with the warm and welcoming Catalan people.

Pros

The People
The food
Public Transportation

Cons

Safety

Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Thiago! Your explorations in Barcelona sound very enchanting and I'm so glad you found it captivating. Thanks for your remarkable review!

By Taylor Coulson on May 15, 2024

CEA CAPA Barcelona was a fantastic way to experience Europe for the first time. Classes were held Monday-Thursday, so long weekends were perfect for traveling. Barcelona was a phenomenal city to call home for 3.5 months. CEA CAPA prepared students to go abroad with a step-by-step pre-departure process that made the logistics of going abroad far less daunting. While we were there, CEA CAPA provided us with cultural workshops, optional trips to explore other parts of Spain, and more.

My favorite class while abroad was called Intercultural Interactions: A Psychological Perspective. This course was designed for students to gain a certain level of cultural competence. It broadened my perspective on different cultural situations and challenges that I had not encountered. The class really opened my eyes to the complexity of culture by relating it to psychological concepts.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My advice for future students in this program is to make time for yourself when you're abroad. There's always a lot going on during abroad life, so it's very important to not get too overwhelmed and to give yourself some grace. Whether it be a walk alone, listening to your favorite playlist, or treating yourself to a nice meal, find the time to truly make your study abroad experience your own!!

Pros

Helpful Pre-Departure Guidance
Optional Pre-Planned Trips with CEA CAPA
Wide Variety of Courses

Cons

Living & Studying With Other Americans Rather Than Locals (this could be a "Pro" depending on you desires)

Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Alena! Thanks for sharing your fantastic feedback about studying abroad in Barcelona. Your study abroad class sounds very complex and we're glad you connected to the culture while diving deeper into your understanding.

By Taylor Coulson on May 15, 2024

Spending a semester in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was an amazing opportunity that checked all of my boxes. Before departure and throughout the semester, staff were incredibly helpful and supportive. My housing was central in Barcelona and had everything I needed. I was also able to take classes that transferred directly to my major. The activities were well-planned and educational. There was a winery tour, tours of museums, and visits to nearby cities. I would highly recommend any student interested in going abroad to do so with CEA CAPA.

I had the most amazing experience studying abroad through CEA CAPA in Barcelona. The experience could not have been more seamless. The staff are willing to go the extra mile and are so helpful with everything. I loved my housing and enjoyed my classes. I also liked that we didn't have class on Fridays! I know that you can have an amazing experience going abroad with any program - but CEA is the program to choose. The activities they have available and weekend trips are also amazing. They really do a great job integrating us into the culture.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Take advantage of CEA's activites and experiences - they're known as AICAPs.

Pros

Amazing staff
Fun activities
Intriguing classes

Cons

Housing is in different areas of the city - so friends may be in different parts
School in the most touristy area - this is a pro and a con
N/A

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.

Sadie Biale

2017 Alum

Sierra Newell

2016 Alum

Kathleen Mcpherson

2015 Alum

Shane Heckman

Mark Brewster

Katrina Escudero

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...