About the City

Stylish. Cosmopolitan. Eccentric. There are many reasons why our study abroad program in Barcelona is CEA CAPA's most popular — explore this amazing metropolis with us! It's really the all-in-one-city where nature, culture, gastronomy, and social life meet all in the same place. Spain's second-largest city offers an ideal blend of historic and modern, combining Gothic charm with thriving immigrant cultures, Gaudí's quirky architecture with world-class dining and shopping... and some of Spain's best universities are here, too. Whether you want to study business or liberal arts, immerse in Catalan culture, or improve your Spanish skills, you'll find what you seek when you study abroad in Barcelona.

Student Testimonials

"CEA CAPA Barcelona was a fantastic way to experience Europe for the first time. Classes were Monday-Thursday, so long weekends were great for traveling. Barcelona was a phenomenal city to call home for 3.5 months. CEA CAPA prepared students to go abr..."

Alena Gianoplus

College of Charleston

GoOverseas

Fall 2023, Spain

"I had the best experience in Barcelona while working for Hesperia Presidente hotel. I learned and rotated through different areas in the hotel. I couldn't be more grateful to CEA CAPA for the accommodations and amazing job opportunity."

Michelle Bermea

University of Houston

GoAbroad

Summer 2023, Spain

"I completed my summer internship abroad experience as a marketing and materials coordination intern with FunTalk in Barcelona, Spain. To say this experience was life-changing would be an understatement. I got the opportunity to lead a team of interns..."

Alexandria Hamilton

OSU

Canva

Summer 2023, Spain

"Spending a semester in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was an amazing opportunity that checked all of my boxes. Pre-departure and during the semester, staff were incredibly helpful and supportive. My housing was central in Barcelona and had everything I need..."

Kelly Caggiano

University of Massachusetts

GoOverseas

Spring 2023, Spain

"Barcelona seamlessly blends culture, history, and modernity. Living and studying there exceeded my expectations. CEA CAPA ensured a smooth transition with invaluable support from pre-departure to ongoing assistance. The staff was approachable, knowle..."

Sophie Gold

Syracuse University

GoAbroad

Spring 2023, Spain

Programs in Barcelona (14)

Show All Barcelona Programs

Where You'll Study

CEA CAPA Barcelona Center

The CEA CAPA Barcelona Center, located in the bustling Plaza de Catalunya, places you in the heart of one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. Surrounded by the vibrant neighborhoods of Eixample, Gothic, and Born—each just minutes away on foot—the Center offers convenient access to Barcelona’s iconic landmarks, world-class shopping, and diverse culinary scene. From the famous Las Ramblas to the elegant Passeig de Gracia, you will have access to every corner of Barcelona allowing you to maximize your study abroad experience.

The Barcelona Study Center offers an interdisciplinary liberal arts education, utilizing the city as an immersive learning environment. Courses, offered in both English and Spanish, cover subjects like history, politics, culture, economics, and art. You can actively engage with Barcelona’s rich history and contemporary relevance through visits to monuments, museums, and local markets, along with unforgettable excursions to rural Spanish cities.

The dedicated onsite team provides personalized support, helping you navigate your academic and professional goals while curating cultural events and activities to enrich your time abroad. With modern facilities, including study spaces, and social areas, the Barcelona Center creates a welcoming environment for collaboration and connection.

With its dynamic setting and innovative programs, the CEA CAPA Barcelona Center delivers a transformative study abroad experience rooted in cultural exploration and academic excellence in one of Spain’s most iconic cities.

Center Academics

Student Center
Student Center
Student Lounge
Student Lounge
Study Room
Study Room
Counseling Services
Counseling Services
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Student Center
Student Center
Student Lounge
Student Lounge
Study Room
Study Room
Counseling Services
Counseling Services
Our Partner Institutions

What Students are Saying about 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 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.

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

Alumni Ambassadors

Cyrus Neghabat (He/Him)

Cyrus Neghabat (He/Him)

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Allie Beckmeier (She/Her)

Allie Beckmeier (She/Her)

Clemson University
Branson Haskett

Branson Haskett

Clemson University
Jenna Fitzpatrick

Jenna Fitzpatrick

University of Miami
Sydney Freeze

Sydney Freeze

Clemson University
Carson Burger

Carson Burger

University of Alabama
Lauren Paz (She/Her)

Lauren Paz (She/Her)

University of Tampa
Cammi Paladino

Cammi Paladino

Michigan State University
Emma Taylor

Emma Taylor

University of Alabama
Iliana Acosta

Iliana Acosta

University of Tampa
Grace Sullivan

Grace Sullivan

Clemson University
Rayna Mastin

Rayna Mastin

University of Georgia
Griffin Zund

Griffin Zund

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Mary-Claire Schmidt

Mary-Claire Schmidt

University of Kentucky
Pele Strauch (She/Her)

Pele Strauch (She/Her)

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Meghan McAndrews (She/Her)

Meghan McAndrews (She/Her)

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Veronica Broskovetz

Veronica Broskovetz

University of Minnesota
Carson Suttle

Carson Suttle

University of Utah
Lilli O'Neil (She/Her)

Lilli O'Neil (She/Her)

Lynn University
Maggie Hummer

Maggie Hummer

University of Tampa
Maria Castiblanco

Maria Castiblanco

Iowa State University
Najwa Baqdounes

Najwa Baqdounes

University of Oklahoma
Ana Beatriz Coutinho dos Santos

Ana Beatriz Coutinho dos Santos

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Reese Cabral

Reese Cabral

University of Mississippi
Emilee Kurdziel

Emilee Kurdziel

University of Alabama
Alana Bownes-Ciccarelli (She/Her)

Alana Bownes-Ciccarelli (She/Her)

University of Massachusetts
Mayana Torres

Mayana Torres

Pace University
Grace Tuller

Grace Tuller

Clemson University
Anne Van Zandt (She/Her)

Anne Van Zandt (She/Her)

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Ryan Kelly (He/Him)

Ryan Kelly (He/Him)

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Hayley Obando

Hayley Obando

University of Tampa
Lily Smith

Lily Smith

Clemson University
Alanna O'Callaghan

Alanna O'Callaghan

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Eve McDonough

Eve McDonough

Clemson University
Kenzie Koches

Kenzie Koches

Clemson University
Anna Haines

Anna Haines

Ohio Wesleyan University
Valentina Sarac

Valentina Sarac

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Elian Corona-Lomonaco

Elian Corona-Lomonaco

Clemson University
Kaitlyn Cooper (She/Her)

Kaitlyn Cooper (She/Her)

University of California-San Diego
Syd Armstrong (She/Her)

Syd Armstrong (She/Her)

Point Loma Nazarene University
Makena Eugster

Makena Eugster

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Isabella Lachinova (She/Her)

Isabella Lachinova (She/Her)

University of Tampa
Kaitlyn Caporossi

Kaitlyn Caporossi

University of Tennessee
Joseph Guerrero (He/Him)

Joseph Guerrero (He/Him)

Colorado State University
Lucas Courts

Lucas Courts

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Cassidy Kohl

Cassidy Kohl

Texas Christian University
Scott Budkofsky

Scott Budkofsky

Indiana University Bloomington
Mansha Rahman (They/Them)

Mansha Rahman (They/Them)

Binghamton University
Tyler Ardito

Tyler Ardito

University of Massachusetts
Megan Gallagher

Megan Gallagher

Clemson University

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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 Barcelona, 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.

Barcelona is more expensive than other Spanish cities but still affordable for study abroad students. Barcelona has good deals if you're willing to look for them and compared to other top destination cities in Europe, it is generally a cheaper option.
Barcelona is considered one of the safest cities in the world and a great choice for students to study abroad. The streets are full of tourists and other study abroad students enjoying the city, so the risk of serious crime is very low. However, pickpocketing is something to watch out for, so using some precautions will help you to avoid incidents while studying abroad.
Barcelona, Catalan’s capital and Spain's second-largest city, offers an ideal blend of historic and modern, combining Gothic charm with thriving immigrant cultures and Gaudí's quirky architecture with world-class dining and shopping. With some of Spain's best universities, you’ll have the opportunity to find what you seek when you study abroad in Barcelona.

Academic Life & Courses

CEA CAPA offers courses in business, communications, art history, Spanish, and more. Classes are held at the CEA CAPA Center and local universities like Universitat de Barcelona and Pompeu Fabra. Unique offerings include courses like Intercultural Communication in the Mediterranean and Contemporary Spanish Art.
Yes, most courses are taught in English. Students can also choose Spanish or Catalan classes depending on fluency and program selection.
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 can choose from apartments, homestays, or residence halls, typically located within 40 minutes of class. Most students live in shared apartments near the city center.
Yes. All CEA CAPA Barcelona 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.
Yes. Barcelona has excellent public transportation including metro, buses, and trams. Most students commute on foot or by public transit, which is safe and affordable.

Language & Culture

No. English is commonly spoken in academic and tourist areas, but learning basic Spanish or Catalan will enhance your experience.
Barcelona is part of Catalonia, with its own language, traditions, and festivals. You’ll experience Catalan identity through food like pa amb tomàquet, holidays like La Mercè, and local art.
Yes. CEA CAPA offers events, clubs, and cultural activities that connect you with both local residents and international peers.

Travel & Exploration

Students often visit Madrid, Valencia, Costa Brava, or travel to France or Italy via train or budget airlines like Ryanair and Vueling.
Guided excursions may include Montserrat, Tarragona, and Girona. These trips are included in your program and offer cultural insights beyond Barcelona.
Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters, hot summers, and pleasant spring and fall. Summer temps often reach the 90s°F (30s°C), so pack layers and sunscreen.

Budget & Affordability

Barcelona is moderately priced for Europe. Students typically spend €200–€350/month on food, transportation, and personal expenses beyond housing.
Yes. Apartments and residences have kitchens. Many students cook to save money and often share meals with roommates. Local markets like La Boqueria offer fresh, affordable groceries.
Most U.S. students can’t work due to visa restrictions. However, CEA CAPA offers for-credit internships in fields like marketing, design, and business to build your résumé abroad.

Health, Safety & Support

Yes, Barcelona is generally safe. CEA CAPA provides orientation, safety tips, and 24/7 emergency support. Be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas.
CEA CAPA staff offer academic advising, wellness support, cultural programming, and emergency assistance throughout your program.
CEA CAPA assists students in accessing English-speaking doctors while abroad. International insurance, included in the program, covers most routine and urgent medical care.

Application, Visas & Logistics

Students in CEA CAPA programs lasting longer than 90 days may require a visa. CEA CAPA provides a visa guide and assistance with required documents, including the program acceptance letter and housing confirmation.
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.
Common documents include your passport, student visa, acceptance letter, proof of insurance, and housing details. CEA CAPA provides a checklist to keep you on track.

Barcelona Onsite Staff

Nadia Alami

Nadia Alami

Coordinator, Program and Student Services
Anna Labay

Anna Labay

Housing Coordinator
Vanesa Toquero

Vanesa Toquero

Senior Coordinator of Academic Affairs
Sonia Priego

Sonia Priego

Manager, Academic Affairs
Blanca Alvarez

Blanca Alvarez

Senior Coordinator of Academic Affairs
Enric Figueras

Enric Figueras

Vice President of Regional Operations
Ana Martínez, PhD

Ana Martínez, PhD

Academic Director
Laura Salvadó

Laura Salvadó

Senior Center Director
Sandra Tomás

Sandra Tomás

Director of Program and Student Services