CEA CAPA Barcelona, Spain

Studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain exceeded all of my expectations! The city is full of life and each day there was something new to explore or experience. I gained an understanding of a country that I will forever love and desire to return to. I honestly did not encounter many challenges as I tried to embrace every experience that came my way. Although things may be stressful and different, this experience allows you to truly grow into the best version of yourself! Contemporary Spain: History, Politics, and Society was the course I took which was an engaging, fun, and enjoyable learning experience that helped to open my eyes to the unique host cultures of Barcelona as the vibrant capital of Catalonia in northeastern Spain. Barcelona has a blending of regional identity, creative expression, historical influences, internationalism, artistic innovation, and much more. The class was able to provide me with a greater understanding of the culture Barcelona is marked by as it’s a country filled with pride in its distinct identity, reflected in everything from the local festivals to the political activism in the desire for greater autonomy. Beyond academics, living abroad encapsulated so many other aspects which help shape my experience. I was assigned a shared apartment with three roommates and they are what made my experience as amazing as it was. Although I was nervous upon leaving the United States and living abroad with three random strangers, I can say that I am walking away from this experience with three new best friends; 10/10!