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 (15)

Show All Barcelona Programs

What Students are Saying about Spain

Seville vs. Madrid - Which Spanish City Should You Study Abroad?
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Seville vs. Madrid - Which Spanish City Should You Study Abroad?

CEA CAPA Alum Lily Gould compares Seville and Madrid after studying abroad in each Spanish City for two semesters. Read more.

4 Must-See Barcelona Spots While Studying Abroad
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4 Must-See Barcelona Spots While Studying Abroad

CEA CAPA Alum Michaela Smith writes about her favorite spots to visit during her time studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain. Read more.

Porto, Portugal - A Colorful and Culturally Rich City
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Porto, Portugal - A Colorful and Culturally Rich City

CEA CAPA alum Kalea McClain documents her weekend adventures in Porto, Portugal, while studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain.

View more blog posts

Where You'll Study

CEA CAPA Barcelona Center

The CEA CAPA Barcelona Center provides an interdisciplinary liberal arts education in the heart of Barcelona, Spain. Courses are offered in both Spanish and English and give you the opportunity to both improve your language skills and further your academic pursuits in a variety of subjects with Barcelona as your classroom.

Courses bring the diverse history, politics, culture, economics, and art of Spain to life, incorporating components that expose you to different elements of the city, from monuments and museums to businesses, local food markets, and government agencies. You’ll be encouraged to explore on your own and draw connections between the subjects you study and the observations you make outside of the classroom. Not only will you get to know your host city, you’ll also gain insight into how Spain fits into the larger European context.

CEA CAPA Barcelona Center curriculum provides the tools and direction you need to both learn about Spain, and to reflect on your own country and culture. Expect to actively participate in classes, as faculty will facilitate your intellectual, cultural, and emotional growth through lively discussions.

Learn More

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

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

*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.

Alumni Ambassadors

Ava Manelis

Ava Manelis

University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Amelia Kaftan

Amelia Kaftan

Tulane University
Zane Willman

Zane Willman

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Cammi Paladino

Cammi Paladino

Michigan State University
Lucile Harrison

Lucile Harrison

University of Alabama
Hayley Murnick

Hayley Murnick

Tulane University
Stefanie Fernandes

Stefanie Fernandes

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Hannah Reilley

Hannah Reilley

Clemson University
Maria Castiblanco

Maria Castiblanco

Iowa State University
Najwa Baqdounes

Najwa Baqdounes

University of Oklahoma
Nina Balestieri

Nina Balestieri

Hofstra University
Zoe Birnbaum (She/Her)

Zoe Birnbaum (She/Her)

Tulane University
Reese Cabral

Reese Cabral

University of Mississippi
Emilee Kurdziel

Emilee Kurdziel

University of Alabama
Shyla Werneke

Shyla Werneke

Clemson University
Mayana Torres

Mayana Torres

Pace University
Michaela Smith (She/Her)

Michaela Smith (She/Her)

Syracuse University
Michelle Bermea

Michelle Bermea

University of Houston
Lily Smith

Lily Smith

Clemson University
Ciara Kenney

Ciara Kenney

Tulane University
Ivy Bartlett

Ivy Bartlett

Point Loma Nazarene University
Audrey Planner

Audrey Planner

Ohio State University Main Campus
Valentina Sarac

Valentina Sarac

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Jacqueline Ayala-Flores

Jacqueline Ayala-Flores

Binghamton University
Kaitlyn Caporossi

Kaitlyn Caporossi

University of Tennessee
Joseph Guerrero (He/Him)

Joseph Guerrero (He/Him)

Colorado State University
Nikki Weinstein

Nikki Weinstein

Tulane University
Scott Budkofsky

Scott Budkofsky

Indiana University Bloomington
Mia Kacoyianni (She/Her)

Mia Kacoyianni (She/Her)

College of Charleston
Mansha Rahman (They/Them)

Mansha Rahman (They/Them)

Binghamton University
Megan Gallagher

Megan Gallagher

Clemson University

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Frequently Asked 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.

CEA CAPA offers many housing options while you're studying abroad in Barcelona. Standard CEA housing is included in your program price. In some study locations you may also have the option of arranging your own independent housing. For more information on housing, connect with your site specialist.

The CEA CAPA Barcelona study abroad program offers several housing options for students depending on their preferences. Most of CEA CAPA Barcelona's housing options span neighborhoods like Les Corts, Eixample, Sagrada Familia, Gracia and Poble Nou. Giving you access to some of the city's most beautiful treasures daily, as you walk to and from your Spanish abode.

Barcelona Housing options include:

  • Apartments – Standard (Double Rooms)
  • Apartment - Single Room
  • Homestay
  • Residencia
  • Independent Living
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.

Barcelona Onsite Staff

Laura Rovira

Laura Rovira

Assistant Program Director, Student Affairs
Sandra Tomás

Sandra Tomás

Assistant Program Director, Student Services
Enric Figueras

Enric Figueras

Vice President of Regional Programs
Laura Salvadó

Laura Salvadó

Senior Director of Global Operations
Ana Martínez, PhD

Ana Martínez, PhD

Academic Director