Get up to $500 in flight credits or grants toward study or internship programs abroad when you apply by November 01, 2026. See our Official Rules for full details.
Language: Spanish, Catalan
Climate: Mediterranean
Currency: Euro
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.
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $9,195
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $5,795
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Pompeu Fabra University
Starting at $22,695
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $22,695
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $22,695
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $6,095
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $8,795
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $22,695
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center, Pompeu Fabra University
Starting at $22,695
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $6,095
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center, University of Vic
Starting at $22,695
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $8,495
CEA CAPA Seville Center, CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $8,795
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Starting at $16,295
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $5,845
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.
Courses taught at the CEA CAPA Barcelona Center have been designed in conjunction with, and approved by, the University of New Haven (UNH). In addition, faculty appointments have been approved by UNH. After the successful completion of a session at the CEA CAPA Barcelona Center, you will receive credit for your work from UNH. Located in Connecticut, the University of New Haven is a student-focused, comprehensive university that’s fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The agreement between CEA CAPA and UNH follows the highest standards of good practice in education abroad and satisfies the rigorous requirements of the University's institutional accreditor, making credits earned at the CEA CAPA Barcelona Center easily transferable to US-accredited institutions. To learn more about UNH's service as a School of Record for CEA CAPA, please contact Academics@ceacapa.com.
The following grading scale is in use for CEA CAPA center-delivered syllabi:
| DESCRIPTOR | ALPHA | NUMERIC | GPA | REQUIREMENT/EXPECTATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding (High Distinction) |
A | 93+ | 4.0 | Maximum grade: In addition to description for grade "A-", the participant shows detailed understanding of materials about which he or she can show independent analytical ability. This means the ability to question an issue from different perspectives and evaluate responses in an objective manner. |
| Excellent (Distinction) |
A- | 90 - 92.99 | 3.7 | Participant shows understanding of literature beyond the textbook/class hand-outs/class notes, and the work shows a high level of independent thought, presents informed and insightful discussion, and demonstrates a well-developed capacity for evaluation. |
| Very good (High Credit) |
B+ | 87 - 89.99 | 3.3 | Shows evidence of a capacity to generalize from the taught content, or the material in literature, or from class lectures in an informed manner. Also, the work demonstrates a capacity to integrate personal reflection into the discussion and an appreciation of a range of different perspectives. |
| Good (Credit) |
B | 83 - 86.99 | 3.0 | The work is well-organized and contains coherent or logical argumentation and presentation. |
| Good (Credit) |
B- | 80 - 82.99 | 2.7 | Participant shows understanding of literature beyond the textbook and/or notes, and there is evidence of additional reading. |
| Average (Good Pass) |
C+ | 77 - 79.99 | 2.3 | The work demonstrates a capacity to integrate research into the discussion and a critical appreciation of a range of theoretical perspectives. Also, the work demonstrates a clear understanding of the question and its theoretical implications and demonstrates evidence of additional reading. |
| Adequate (Pass) |
C | 73 - 76.99 | 2.0 | Shows clear understanding and some insight into the material in the textbook and notes, but not beyond. A deficiency in understanding the material may be compensated by evidence of independent thought and effort related to the subject matter. |
| Below Average (Borderline Pass) |
C- | 70 - 72.99 | 1.7 | Shows some understanding of the material in the textbook and notes. A deficiency in any of the above may be compensated by evidence of independent thought related to the subject matter. |
| Inadequate (Borderline Fail) |
D+ | 67 - 69.99 | 1.3 | Fails to show a clear understanding or much insight into the material in the textbook and notes. |
| Poor (Fail) |
D | 60 - 66.99 | 1.0 | Besides the above for D+, participant has not shown interest or engagement in the class work or study. |
| Poor (Fail) |
F | <60 | 0 | Shows little or no understanding of any of the material. |
Courses at the CEA CAPA Barcelona Center are transcripted by the University of New Haven (UNH), CEA CAPA’s School of Record.
The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) was founded in 1968. Today, UAB offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate programs in the fields of humanities, social sciences, health sciences, experimental sciences and engineering. UAB’s links with local institutions, industry, and businesses provides students with practical experience helping them to be better prepared as they enter the professional world. More than 17% of UAB’s 50,000 students are international.
UAB encompasses several campuses; CEA CAPA students may attend classes at la Casa de Convalescencia in the city center, close to Gaudi's famous Sagrada Familia. The building was completed in 1930 and granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1997. CEA CAPA students may also attend class on the Eixample campus, located on the same metro line (and within walking distance) of the CEA CAPA Barcelona Center.
The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a degree-granting institution of higher learning. Additionally, UAB is accredited through the Catalan University Quality Assurance Agency.
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona awards credits based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) system. CEA CAPA credit hour recommendations are based on the following conversion: 2 ECTS credits equals 1 U.S. semester credit. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Students receive a transcript from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona upon successful completion of the program. The transcript reflects ECTS credits and contact hours.
Founded in 1450, the University of Barcelona (UB) is the oldest and largest university in Catalonia with a student population of over 90,000. UB emphasizes international relations and has been a leading host of study abroad students for many years, welcoming 5,000 international students each year. The university awards more than 10,000 bachelor’s degrees and 450 doctorates annually.
UB operates four campuses throughout the city. Classes are instructed by university faculty through Estudios Hispánicos at both the main campus—centrally located in a 16th century building—and a secondary campus located just outside the city center and easily reached by metro or bus.
The University of Barcelona is recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a degree-granting institution of higher learning.
The University of Barcelona utilizes a 60-minute contact hour whereas the United States higher education system utilizes a 50-minute contact hour. Recommended U.S. credits listed on CEA CAPA's website reflect a conversion of these contact hours. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Students receive a transcript from University of Barcelona upon successful completion of the program. The transcript reflects ECTS credits and contact hours.
Since it was founded in 1990, Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) has had two goals: to train responsible professionals and citizens who are committed to civic values, and to contribute to the development of research. UPF welcomes approximately 10,000 students each year, 800 of which are international, and offers coursework in three areas of knowledge: social sciences & humanities, information technology & coding, and health & life sciences. The university operates six campuses scattered around Barcelona's city center. CEA CAPA students take most classes at the campus located near Olympic Village.
Unlike most Spanish institutions, UPF follows a trimester-based academic calendar. The university prides itself on offering small class sizes, dedicated teaching staff, and advanced technological and information systems. Spanish language and elective courses for international students are instructed by university faculty in both Spanish and English through the Hispanic & European Studies Program, the Pre-Law Honors Program, and International Business. In addition, you may choose to take integrated courses in Humanities, Business, Communications, and more alongside Spanish students.
Pompeu Fabra University is recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a degree granting institution of higher learning, and holds accreditation from EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System) and AMBA (Association for MBA programs).
Pompeu Fabra University awards credits based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) system. CEA CAPA credit hour recommendations are based on the following conversion: 2 ECTS credits equals 1 U.S. semester credit. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Students receive a transcript from Pompeu Fabra University upon successful completion of the program. The transcript reflects ECTS credits.
The University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC) is an independent, state-supported, educational institution with a distinctive international focus. UVic-UCC is committed to the economic and social development of Barcelona and Catalonia through teaching, research, and knowledge transfer. The university emphasizes multilingual training as a key to increased mobility of university students and staff, and views the study of language and culture as an excellent vehicle for gaining a wider awareness of today’s world.
UVic-UCC offers 32 bachelor’s degrees in the fields of arts, humanities, science, health sciences, social sciences, and engineering, 15 master’s degree programs, and six doctoral programs. UVic-UCC’s compliance with European directives on higher education, and the more-than 20,000 students who have put their trust in the university over the years, is testament to UVic-UCC’s dynamism, innovation, and quality. The UVic-UCC International Campus, an umbrella organization for UVic-UCC activities aimed at an international public, provides mobility and exchange programs, postgraduate courses, research programs, continuing education, and international cooperation projects.
The UVic-UCC campus is on the same metro line as the CEA CAPA Barcelona Center, just a 10-minute ride away.
The University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC) is recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a degree granting institution of higher learning.
University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia awards credits based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) system. CEA CAPA credit hour recommendations are based on the following conversion: 2 ECTS credits equals 1 U.S. semester credit. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Students receive a transcript from University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia upon successful completion of the program. The transcript reflects ECTS credits.
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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.
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.
Health and safety are a top priority when selecting and reviewing program housing. When evaluating housing, CEA CAPA considers several factors including the surrounding location, commute time to academic or internship settings, as well as the condition of the building exterior and interior, common areas, the individual housing unit, and other living spaces. CEA CAPA works to ensure that program housing meets established minimum health and safety guidelines and aligns with best practices in the field.
Regular cleaning of communal areas for programs longer than 4 weeks.
Reliable internet access is included in every housing option we offer.
Typically 1–2 students per bedroom, with a maximum of 3 per room.
Housing is located within 60 minutes of campus by foot or transportation.
Cooling and heating appliances are provided (AC not always included).
A shared space with basic utensils, refrigerator, freezer, and a stove, oven, or microwave.
Access to laundry is guaranteed onsite or within walking distance. Drying racks included.
A desk in your room or a table in a common area.
Practical, modest storage space for personal belongings.
Pillows, blankets and sheets.
Global Housing Standards apply to CEA CAPA-sourced housing only, beginning Summer 2026.
Housing provided by partner universities may differ slightly.
Upgrades Available
Customize your apartment for maximum comfort! For an additional fee, you can tailor your stay with your choice of private air conditioning or our student-favorite ensuite bathroom option.
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Upgrades Available
Customize your apartment for maximum comfort! For an additional fee, you can tailor your stay with your choice of private air conditioning or our student-favorite ensuite bathroom option.
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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.
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