About the City

From the majestic courtyards and mosaics of the Alhambra to the lush gardens of the Palacio del Generalife, Granada’s cultural, artistic, and historic heritage has been shaped by centuries of diverse influences. Today, Granada´s culture reflects its Christian, Arabic, Romani, and Jewish roots in a model of mutually respectful, multicultural living. Often described as a fairytale city, Granada offers one of the most prestigious universities in Europe, a contrasting mix of tradition and modernity, vibrant nightlife, and countless cultural and recreational activities. The city is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, just 44 miles from the warm waters of the Mediterranean. CEA CAPA's study abroad programs in Granada integrates local resources and cross-cultural learning, helping you engage and immerse with the host culture while experiencing aspects of local life that most visitors to this welcoming city don’t see.

Student Testimonials

"Granada is a small city which made it feel safe and everything you need is within walking distance. I stayed with a host family which was one of the best decisions I ever made. They truly took me in as family and took care of me when I got a stomach ..."

Nyssa Alvarado

Texas A & M University

GoOverseas

Summer 2023, Spain

"Traveling to a new place without knowing anyone can be a daunting experience, but Granada felt like stepping into a home away from home. The people were welcoming, the culture was easy to adapt to, and the sites seemed to be out of a movie. I loved b..."

Alexa Porter

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

GoOverseas

Summer 2023, Spain

"I thoroughly enjoyed every second of my study abroad experience in Granda! The people I met through this program made my entire trip and I am so thankful for this program for bringing us together. While in Granada I immerse myself in the city and got..."

Sophie Moore

University of Oklahoma

GoOverseas

Spring 2023, Spain

"My experience with CEA CAPA was very positive. Throughout the process of applying, arriving, duration of the program, and even afterwards I had support, and they answered any questions I had. The process was pretty straightforward. I'd study abroad w..."

Anna Sutherland

Western Washington University

GoOverseas

Fall 2022, Spain

"I loved my three months in Granada, Spain, and I wish I could have stayed longer! CEA CAPA's staff members in Granada are fantastic and helped me feel welcome from the moment they picked me up at the airport. My favorite part of the experience was li..."

Emilia Tesoriero

Fordham University

GoOverseas

Fall 2022, Spain

Programs in Granada (4)

Show All Granada Programs

Where You'll Study

Our Partner Institutions

What Students are Saying about Spain

What I Learned From Studying Abroad in Seville, Spain
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What I Learned From Studying Abroad in Seville, Spain

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What I Learned From Studying Abroad in Madrid, Spain
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What I Learned From Studying Abroad in Madrid, Spain

Reflections on a study abroad semester in Madrid and meaningful travel experiences along the way.

A Weekend in My Life Studying Abroad in Barcelona, Spain
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A Weekend in My Life Studying Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

CEA CAPA Content Creator Brooke O’Donnell writes about the benefits of staying in your host study abroad city for the weekend.

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Excursions

Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.

Where You'll Stay

We offer different housing options to match your budget, preferences, and study abroad goals. Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.

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Learn more about what's included with CEA CAPA housing.

Alumni Ambassadors

Haley Sommer

Haley Sommer

Illinois State University
Ashley Cialone

Ashley Cialone

Colorado State University
Jekyra Felton-Cobb

Jekyra Felton-Cobb

Illinois State University
Mackenzie Brady

Mackenzie Brady

Illinois State University
Alexa Porter

Alexa Porter

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Darien Perry

Darien Perry

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Lauren Conners

Lauren Conners

Illinois State University
Lisette Rodriguez (She/Her/Ella)

Lisette Rodriguez (She/Her/Ella)

Texas A & M University

Get a Flight Credit worth up to $1,250 when you apply with code* by June 30, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Studying abroad in Spain is a life changing event for many students. When you study abroad or intern abroad in Granada, you experience learning outside the traditional classroom setting, gain international experience, and expand your sense of cultural awareness. You will experience new culture, food, and meet people from all over the world making lifelong friends and expanding your network. Plus, you get to travel to places you've only read about.
Granada is one of the cheapest places to live in comparison with other Spanish cities. It’s an energetic city known for its youthful population which makes it very affordable for students. After all, some people refer to Granada as the “city of free tapas,” because one drink equals one plate of tapas at most restaurants. Granada is the perfect place for students hungry to learn (on a budget) about a culture rich in religion and history.
Granada is a great destination for students to study abroad due to its low crime rate. Violent crime is rare and petty theft like pickpocketing is something to be aware of, so it’s very important to be careful and cautious while you explore the city.
Granada is a mid-sized city with cultural, historic, and architectural remnants of an illustrious past. It’s the epitome of multicultural living that was inspired by diverse influences and continues to shape modernity in Spain. The city sits at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains and is less than an hour away from the Mediterranean Sea. When you go abroad to Granada, you’ll study at one of the largest Spanish institutions and tour one of the top-visited monuments (Al Hambra) in Spain. 

Academic Life & Courses

CEA CAPA offers courses in Spanish language, Islamic and Spanish history, literature, art, and international relations. Classes are held at the University of Granada.
Yes. Many courses are available in English. Spanish language courses are also offered at beginner to advanced levels.
Yes. Credit transfer depends on each student’s home university and its academic policies. Students are responsible for confirming credit approval with their home institution before studying abroad, as transferability is determined by the home university, not by CEA CAPA. 

Housing & Daily Life

Students typically live in residence halls or homestays, located within walking distance or a short bus ride from class.
Yes. All CEA CAPA Granada housing options include WiFi and access to a washing machine. Dryers are not common abroad, so students should plan to hang dry their clothes, which is the standard practice in Europe.
Granada is a walkable city with local buses for longer distances. Students often walk or take short bus rides to campus and downtown.

Language & Culture

No. Many courses are taught in English. However, speaking Spanish helps with daily interactions and cultural immersion.
Granada has a rich blend of Moorish and Spanish traditions. It’s known for flamenco, tapas, historic architecture, and a laid-back student atmosphere.
Yes. CEA CAPA organizes cultural activities and excursions, and the University of Granada has a large local and international student population.

Travel & Exploration

Popular weekend trips include Seville, Córdoba, the Alpujarras mountains, or the Costa del Sol. Granada’s location offers access to both mountains and beaches. It's common for students to travel to popular cities across Europe on weekends. 
CEA CAPA excursions may include visits to the Alhambra, nearby white villages, or cultural tours of Andalusian cities.
Granada has hot summers and cool winters. Spring and fall are sunny and mild. Evenings can be cool due to its elevation.

Budget & Affordability

Yes. Granada is one of the more affordable cities in Spain. Tapas are often free with drinks, and local transportation is inexpensive.
Yes. Apartments include kitchens. Homestays provide daily meals, but students can also explore local markets and cafes.
No. U.S. students generally cannot work abroad due to visa restrictions. CEA CAPA offers internship opportunities for academic credit.

Health, Safety & Support

Yes. Granada is considered a safe city for students. CEA CAPA offers 24/7 emergency support and safety resources.
CEA CAPA provides onsite staff, academic advising, wellness resources, and cultural orientation to support your time abroad.
CEA CAPA staff help students access English-speaking medical providers. Insurance included in your program covers most routine care.

Application, Visas & Logistics

Yes, for programs over 90 days. CEA CAPA provides guidance and support throughout the Spanish student visa process.
Students are encouraged to apply 6–9 months in advance to secure placement and allow sufficient time for housing arrangements and visa processing if applicable.
Students must provide a valid passport, visa application, proof of insurance, program acceptance letter, and housing confirmation when applying for a study abroad visa. CEA CAPA provides a comprehensive checklist to guide students through the process.

Granada Onsite Staff

Irene Torrecillas-Domínguez

Irene Torrecillas-Domínguez

Coordinator, Program and Student Services
Jorge Garay Cañamero

Jorge Garay Cañamero

Senior Coordinator, Program and Student Services
Begoña Correa-Flores

Begoña Correa-Flores

Program Director