Claim up to $1,000 in flight credits!
Get up to $1,000 in flight credits or grants toward study or internship programs abroad when you apply by September 15, 2026. See our Official Rules for full details.
Pre-Health Seminar & Shadowing
Barcelona, Spain
About the Program
The Pre-Health Seminar & Shadowing program is designed for students pursuing healthcare careers and who are looking for the opportunity to get observational clinical experience while earning academic credit abroad. Hospital shadowing will help to prepare you for a career in medicine and make you stand out in the medical school application process. All students will shadow with a local hospital partner and take our 3-credit health shadowing seminar, which has been intentionally designed to help you get the most out of your placement experience.
Program Notes
Apply early as enrollment is limited due to the clinical rotations!
Requirements
Overview
Barcelona
early Sep 2027 - mid Dec 2027
$22,995
12 - 15
Deadlines
5/15/27
6/15/27
Requirements
Eligibility
2.5
1 Year of College completed prior to program start
Additional Clinical Placement Documents (As Requested)
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,...
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.
Transcript Information
Courses at the CEA CAPA Barcelona Center are transcripted by the University of New Haven (UNH), CEA CAPA’s School of Record.
Accreditation
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.
Grading
Professors at the CEA CAPA Barcelona Center carefully evaluate students' work and progress throughout their academic session. When calculating final grades, instructors consider written and oral exercises, homework assignments, attendance, classroom participation, and exam performance.
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. |
Classroom and Information
- Classes are taught by international faculty.
- Classes meet daily, Monday – Thursday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
- Most faculty are bilingual (Spanish/English) and represent a variety of different backgrounds.
- Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams will be administered.
- Attendance in all classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor.
- You’ll attend class with other CEA CAPA students of equivalent language levels, not with native Spanish students.
- Teaching styles in Spain may differ from those in the U.S. Be prepared to adapt to your school’s classroom structures and coursework expectations.
- The maximum class size is 15 students for language courses and 25 students for electives. Small class sizes mean more personalized attention from your instructors.
Amenities
Student Center
Student Lounge
Study Room
Counseling Services
Travel Books & Resources
Student ID
Printing Services
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Academic Advising
Language Learning Services
12-15
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
You will enroll in a 3-credit shadowing seminar that combines 30 classroom contact hours with 90 hospital shadowing hours, along with 3-4 other CEA CAPA courses (each 45 classroom contact hours/3 credits). You may earn a total of 12-15 credits.
Prior to arrival, you will select your preferred courses and take an online language placement exam. During course registration, you will enroll in courses based on their availability and compatibility with your hospital shadowing schedule. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure. If you choose to take a Spanish language or elective course, to ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home university pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Spain. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Due to the seriousness of health and medicine, it is important to understand that professionalism and maturity will be expected at all times. Please note that these placements are strictly observational: you will not be practicing medicine abroad. All participants must arrive punctually at placement hours and wear appropriate attire. Placements may not be in the city center and long commutes (which may exceed 60 minutes) should be expected. Those enrolled in the program will be required to complete pre-departure advising in order to adequately understand all expectations and prepare for their shadowing experience abroad
Prior to arrival, you will select your preferred courses and take an online language placement exam. During course registration, you will enroll in courses based on their availability and compatibility with your hospital shadowing schedule. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure. If you choose to take a Spanish language or elective course, to ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home university pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Spain. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Due to the seriousness of health and medicine, it is important to understand that professionalism and maturity will be expected at all times. Please note that these placements are strictly observational: you will not be practicing medicine abroad. All participants must arrive punctually at placement hours and wear appropriate attire. Placements may not be in the city center and long commutes (which may exceed 60 minutes) should be expected. Those enrolled in the program will be required to complete pre-departure advising in order to adequately understand all expectations and prepare for their shadowing experience abroad
All Levels Course Structure
Courses
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perspectives in International Healthcare: Clinical Observation Experience | 300 | En | 30 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Statement Analysis * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture & Painting in Barcelona * | 400 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Architecture & Urban Design in Barcelona * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Public Art in the Global City | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Spanish Art | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Spanish Art in the Digital Age | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Biology with Laboratory | 100 | En | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Operations Management * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Business Consulting | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Business Ethics & Management in a Global Context | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Creating Your Start-Up | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Cross-Cultural Management * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Entrepreneurship: The Art of Creative Business | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| International Business | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Negotiations | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language & Culture * | 100 | Ot | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Communication | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Mass Media & the Fashion Industry * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Social Media: Digital Identity & the Virtual Community * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living the Age of AI: The Path to Entropy or Salvation? * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyzing & Exploring the Global City: Barcelona * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Brand Barcelona: Marketing the Global City * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Cultural History of Spain: From Dictatorship to the Digital Era * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Food & Culture in Spain * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Immigration, Race & Identity in Contemporary Spain * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Peoples of Spain: Past and Present * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Spanish Civilization & Culture * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Sport & Culture in Contemporary Spain * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparative Economic Systems * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Intermediate Macroeconomics * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers, Exiles & Tourists: The Search for Identity & Self in Literary & Filmic Expression * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Writing the Global City Barcelona | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Global Climate Change | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Sport & Sustainability * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain as Seen Through Its Movies: 1980s to Today * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Statement Analysis * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| International Finance | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Investments | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding Barcelona: The Geography of a City * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparative Public Health | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Global Determinants of Health | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Medical Ethics * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Nutrition | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural History of Spain: From Dictatorship to the Digital Era * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Making of the Mediterranean World * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Journalism & Global Media * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leadership in a Global Context | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Organizational Behavior: An Evidence-Based Approach * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Operations Management * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising & PR of Spanish Food Products * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Brand Barcelona: Marketing the Global City * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Consumer Behavior | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Digital Marketing | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| International Marketing * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Principles of Marketing | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Sport Marketing | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Media & Politics in Western Europe: Spain * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Media & Pop Culture in Spain | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living the Age of AI: The Path to Entropy or Salvation? * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Medical Ethics * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photography in Barcelona | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contemporary Spain: History, Politics & Society * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| EU Integration: Theories, Institutions & Issues * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abnormal Psychology | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Cognitive Psychology | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Health Psychology * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Intercultural Interactions: Psychological Perspectives * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Organizational Behavior: An Evidence-Based Approach * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Social Psychology | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Psychology of Happiness & Well-Being | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interfaith Communities in Medieval and Modern Spain * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| World Religions * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Engaged Global Learning: Society, Inequality & Social Exclusion * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyzing & Exploring the Global City: Barcelona * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Community Engaged Global Learning: Society, Inequality & Social Exclusion * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Diseases, Pandemics & Urban Planning through Barcelona History * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Immigration, Race & Identity in Contemporary Spain * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Social Media: Digital Identity & the Virtual Community * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Sport & Sustainability * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Spanish | 300 | Sp | 45 | 3 |
| Beginning Spanish I | 100 | Sp | 45 | 3 |
| Beginning Spanish II | 100 | Sp | 45 | 3 |
| Intermediate Spanish I | 200 | Sp | 45 | 3 |
| Intermediate Spanish II | 200 | Sp | 45 | 3 |
| Spanish Civilization & Culture * | 300 | Sp | 45 | 3 |
| Spanish for Health Professions | 300 | Sp | 45 | 3 |
| Spanish for Heritage Speakers | 300 | Sp | 45 | 3 |
| Visions of Spain Through Cinema | 300 | Sp | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Barcelona: The Artist's Perspective | 200 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managing Global Supply Chains | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
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.
Global Housing Standards
Learn more about what's included with CEA CAPA housing.
Learn more about what's included with CEA CAPA housing.
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Global Housing Standards
Your housing abroad is more than a place to sleep, it's a place to feel at home.
Health & Safety
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.
Cleaning Services
Regular cleaning of communal areas for programs longer than 4 weeks.
Wi-Fi
Reliable internet access is included in every housing option we offer.
Students Per Bedroom
Typically 1–2 students per bedroom, with a maximum of 3 per room.
Commute Time
Housing is located within 60 minutes of campus by foot or transportation.
Temperature Control
Cooling and heating appliances are provided (AC not always included).
Kitchen Access
A shared space with basic utensils, refrigerator, freezer, and a stove, oven, or microwave.
Laundry
Access to laundry is guaranteed onsite or within walking distance. Drying racks included.
Study Space
A desk in your room or a table in a common area.
Storage Space
Practical, modest storage space for personal belongings.
Linens
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.
Apartment Shared Room
Embrace the authentic pace of life in Barcelona from a well-located apartment, offering easy access to public transportation, vibrant shopping, and leisure areas. You'll share your bedroom with a fellow CEA CAPA student, and you'll also share the apartment and kitchen with other students, creating an instant community and a lively home base.
This housing option is included in the program price.
Additional Options
To enjoy the added comfort of an air-conditioned bedroom, you may select this option on your housing application for a supplemental fee. Supplemental fees may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Apartment Private Room
Embrace the authentic pace of life in Barcelona from a well-located apartment, offering easy access to public transportation, vibrant shopping, and leisure areas. You'll enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own bedroom. You'll share the apartment's communal spaces and kitchen with fellow students, creating an instant community and a lively home base.
To enjoy the added comfort of an air-conditioned bedroom, you may select this option on your housing application for a supplemental fee.
Additional Options
To elevate your comfort with an air conditioned equipped bedroom, you may select air conditioning on the housing application for a supplemental fee.
Homestay Private Room
Immerse yourself in true Spanish daily life by living in a welcoming home located in a neighborhood of the city. Practice language skills and enjoy homecooked meals. You'll enjoy the privacy of your own bedroom and may share the homestay with up to two other students, fostering a unique group experience within a local setting. Homestay includes full-board with 3 meals/day (Mon-Sun), weekly cleaning, and laundry service.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee that may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Residencia Private Room
Explore a modern lifestyle in a residence located in one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods. This option offers a high-quality living experience where you can enjoy a private ensuite bedroom with A/C while sharing a kitchen and common spaces with local and international peers. The building is designed to foster a social community, featuring a gym, study rooms, and organized community activities. Practical amenities include a shared kitchen with utensils, credit-card-operated laundry, and biweekly linen and towel changes. This is the ideal choice for students who value a private personal space within a social, community-focused environment.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee that may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Additional Options
To enhance your study abroad experience with a private kitchenette and premium amenities like the rooftop pool, you may select the Residencia Private Room Plus for a supplemental fee.
The Barcelona Signature - Urban Twin
Semester Only
Indulge in a premium living environment that perfectly combines the independence of apartment living with the amenities of a luxury residence. Located just a 15-minute walk from the study center, this stylish option offers shared, apartment-style rooms with A/C, modern kitchens, and inviting common areas. Residents enjoy exceptional building perks, including a rooftop with city views, a pool, a BBQ zone, a gym, and a private movie lounge. While no meal plan is provided, the fully equipped kitchen allows for the autonomy of a private home. This is the ideal choice for students seeking a luxury apartment atmosphere with access to top-tier residential amenities.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee that may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
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.
What's Included in your Program
From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in Barcelona. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.
- Airport Welcome
- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- Onsite Orientation
- City Tour
- Onsite Staff Support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Travel Medical Insurance
- International Emergency Service Support
- Welcome & Farewell Events
- Centrally Located Housing
- Wellness Activities
- Cultural Engagement
- Language Exchanges
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Excursions
- Student Clubs & Organizations
- Host Institution Services & Amenities
- Career & Re-entry Workshop
- Official Transcript(s)
Sample Calendar
The calendar for this program is coming soon; please check back later.
Sample Budget
The sample budget is unavailable at this time. Please check back later or ask your CEA CAPA Admissions Counselor/Site Specialist for a comparable program's sample budget.