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Designed for students at all levels of Spanish ability, this program allows you to acquire and improve your Spanish language skills while gaining a deeper understanding of Spanish culture. Join other international students and hone your Spanish skills at the University of Barcelona’s (UB) Estudios Hispánicos language learning center. Semester students will delve into local culture and history through liberal arts and social sciences electives, taught in English or Spanish, at the CEA CAPA Barcelona Center. If you speak Spanish at the high-intermediate Spanish level and above, you may choose to take all courses in Spanish. Summer students will take language courses at all levels at UB.
Founded in 1450, the University of Barcelona is Catalonia’s oldest and largest educational institution, with more than 90,000 students. UB operates four campuses throughout Barcelona and is known for its focus on international students.
Located on the Plaza Catalunya in the heart of the city, the CEA CAPA Barcelona Center offers courses in a range of subjects, taught in English and Spanish. Learning takes place both in and out of the classroom, with instructors taking full advantage of Barcelona’s many notable sites and attractions.
When you study abroad in Barcelona, you can choose CEA CAPA housing or arrange your own independent housing. CEA CAPA housing assignments are based on availability and confirmation date; we make every effort to match your housing requests, but we can’t guarantee housing preferences.
Program Structure
You'll enroll in 1 UB language course and 2-3 CEA CAPA courses. UB language courses meet for 113 contact hours/8 credits; CEA CAPA courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. Overall, you may earn a total of 14-18 credits (up to 270 contact hours).
UB language courses meet 4 times per week, Monday-Thursday. Typically, CEA CAPA elective courses meet twice per week, Monday-Thursday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses and take an online language placement exam. In addition, you'll take a language placement exam on-site in Barcelona; language placement exams are held at UB the Friday before classes start. You will be enrolled into CEA CAPA courses based on their availability. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. 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.
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings may not be finalized until the start of the term; we’ll post an updated list when the host institution finalizes its offerings.
*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.
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.
Girona & Besalú
The charming walled town of Girona is one of Spain's most prosperous and enticing cities. Explore historical remnants of the diverse cultures that have influenced the city through the ages, walk along the steep alleyways of the Jewish quarter, visit one of many art museums, and enjoy beautiful views of the Onyar River. Nearby Besalú is a stunning medieval town designated as a historical national property. You’ll travel in time just by wandering its streets.
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Girona & Besalú
The charming walled town of Girona is one of Spain's most prosperous and enticing cities. Explore historical remnants of the diverse cultures that have influenced the city through the ages, walk along the steep alleyways of the Jewish quarter, visit one of many art museums, and enjoy beautiful views of the Onyar River. Nearby Besalú is a stunning medieval town designated as a historical national property. You’ll travel in time just by wandering its streets.
Madrid
As Spain’s capital and largest cosmopolitan city, lively Madrid is known for its friendly locals and innovative art and culture. Visit the Prado Museum, which houses Spanish and European paintings from the 12th to 18th century, and view modern art at the acclaimed Reina Sofia National Art Centre. Stroll around Madrid’s most famous arcaded square, the Plaza Mayor. Visit the Royal Palace and beautiful Park El Retiro. Madrid’s cultural diversity and world-famous art museums are guaranteed to offer something for everyone’s taste.
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Madrid
As Spain’s capital and largest cosmopolitan city, lively Madrid is known for its friendly locals and innovative art and culture. Visit the Prado Museum, which houses Spanish and European paintings from the 12th to 18th century, and view modern art at the acclaimed Reina Sofia National Art Centre. Stroll around Madrid’s most famous arcaded square, the Plaza Mayor. Visit the Royal Palace and beautiful Park El Retiro. Madrid’s cultural diversity and world-famous art museums are guaranteed to offer something for everyone’s taste.
Penedès Wine Country
Explore the birthplace of the famous Cava (Catalan champagne) while exploring the vineyards and underground cellars of the Penedès wineries, learning about the wine-making process, and enjoying a wine tasting. Finish the day with a typical Catalan lunch, where you can try favorites like pa amb tomàquet.
See Details
Penedès Wine Country
Explore the birthplace of the famous Cava (Catalan champagne) while exploring the vineyards and underground cellars of the Penedès wineries, learning about the wine-making process, and enjoying a wine tasting. Finish the day with a typical Catalan lunch, where you can try favorites like pa amb tomàquet.
Pyrenees and Romanesque Art
At the northeastern edge of the Pyrenees, Vall de Boí is known for its scenic landscape and for its nine tiny Romanesque churches, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the amazing architecture and paintings before completing your excursion with a hike in the stunning Aigüestortes National Park.
See Details
Pyrenees and Romanesque Art
At the northeastern edge of the Pyrenees, Vall de Boí is known for its scenic landscape and for its nine tiny Romanesque churches, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the amazing architecture and paintings before completing your excursion with a hike in the stunning Aigüestortes National Park.
Sample Budget
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we’ve included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover “reasonable” costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.
Program Fee Tuition and fees, registration, orientation, airport pickup, welcome and farewell receptions, housing, official transcript, cultural excursions/activities, student support services, CEA On-site Staff and administrative costs.
$20,695
$20,695
CEA Secure CEASecure™ is an optional refund plan that allows students to withdraw for any covered reason up to one week before the program’s start date
$0
$475
International Airfare & Transfers Cost varies depending on time of purchase, point of origin and time of travel.
$500
$1,500
Immigration Requirements Includes passport and additional requirements such as visa, entry and exit fees, French Carte de Séjour, French University Administrative Fee (if applicable), or Italian Permesso di Soggiorno.
$365
$365
Books, Materials and Supplies Includes books, school supplies, art supplies, and course fees. Does not include fees or supplies for optional courses. This cost varies depending on the course choices of the student.
$100
$300
Meals
Includes the average expected cost for meals in housing option without a meal plan, such as daily groceries and eating out at restaurants.
$3,400
$4,800
Personal Expenses Includes telephone, laundry, local transportation, personal necessities and upfront payments for potential doctor visits. Please note, certain locations may require deposits to secure spots in CEA organized activities and excursions (deposits are returned at the end of the program if student attends activities/excursions or cancels participation before set deadlines). Some of these costs vary according to the spending habits of the student.
$2,135
$3,190
Travel Expenses Includes additional travel outside of CEA excursions. This cost varies according to the spending habits of the student.
$2,000
$3,800
TOTAL EXPENSES
$29,195
$35,125
Sample Calendar
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
Official Program Start Date. Students must arrive at the Josep Tarradellas airport on this date in order to be eligible for airport pickup. Students will then be transferred to their assigned housing.
January 11 - 12
Orientation
Mandatory CEA CAPA Orientation will be held.
January 15
Classes Begin
Classes begin at CEA CAPA center on this day.
January 15
Classes Begin
Classes begin at UB on this day.
March 22 - April 01
School Break
CEA CAPA is closed for Spring Break. No classes will be held.
April 18
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at UB.
April 22
Final Exams
Final exams will be held at UB.
April 25
Final Exams
Final exams will be held at CEA CAPA.
April 25
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at CEA CAPA.
April 27
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day.
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