Get up to $1,000 in flight credits or grants toward study or internship programs abroad when you apply by January 01, 2025. 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 $5,995
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $20,995
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Pompeu Fabra University
Starting at $20,995
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $20,995
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $21,195
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $7,895
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $20,995
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center, CETT - University of Barcelona
Starting at $20,995
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center, University of Barcelona
Starting at $5,995
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center, Pompeu Fabra University
Starting at $20,995
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $5,995
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia
Starting at $20,995
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $7,595
CEA CAPA Seville Center, CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $8,295
CEA CAPA Barcelona Center
Starting at $21,295
CEA CAPA Marra Finkelstein rites about her experience spending the holiday season while studying abroad in Seville, Spain. Learn more.
CEA CAPA Alum Lily Gould compares Seville and Madrid after studying abroad in each Spanish City for two semesters. Read more.
CEA CAPA Alum Michaela Smith writes about her favorite spots to visit during her time studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain. Read more.
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.
Courses at the CEA CAPA Barcelona Center are transcripted by the University of New Haven (UNH), CEA CAPA’s School of Record.
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. |
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The University of Barcelona is recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a degree-granting institution of higher learning.
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 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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
CETT-University of Barcelona (CETT-UB) is the University of Barcelona’s School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy. Over the past 50 years, CETT-UB has become the international gold-standard for academic excellence in the fields of tourism studies, hospitality management, and gastronomy. The school is very closely linked to the tourism, hospitality, and gastronomy industries on national and international levels, through projects, research, professors, and partnerships. All CETT-UB professors have been or are currently active in the tourism, hospitality, and gastronomy industries, bringing real world experiences and knowledge to the classroom. CETT-UB actively participates in the sustainable development of the industry through education, research, innovation, and expert knowledge.
CETT-UB offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, professional training, and continuing education for active professionals through its own educational model recognized by the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Programs are delivered in close collaboration with professors from the University of Barcelona and professional experts from the industry.
Students enjoy access to state-of-the-art classroom facilities, demonstration and training kitchens, and student-run onsite restaurant and coffee shop.
Classes are taken at the CETT-UB Campus located 25 minutes by metro from the CEA CAPA Barcelona Center.
CEA CAPA credit hour recommendations for CETT-University of Barcelona courses are based on the following conversion:15 contact hours equals 1 U.S. 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 CETT-University of Barcelona upon successful completion of the program. The transcript reflects ECTS & contact hours.
CETT – University of Barcelona (CETT-UB) is an affiliated center of the University of Barcelona, dedicated to the education, research, and knowledge transfer in the fields of tourism, hotel management, and gastronomy. CETT-UB is recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a degree-granting institution of higher learning.
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.
*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.
CEA CAPA Barcelona students enjoy city-living apartments as their standard housing option. A perfect fit for the do-it-yourself types who want to experience Barcelona as a local apartment-dweller, CEA CAPA's apartments scatter neighborhoods like Les Corts, Eixample, Sagrada Familia, Gracia and Poble Nou. Stroll past some of this city's most beautiful treasures daily, as you walk to and from your Spanish abode.
Double Rooms - Standard
Double Rooms - Plus Amenities
The Double Rooms Plus Amenities option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
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City-living apartments are a perfect fit for the student who wants to experience Barcelona like a local. CEA CAPA's apartments span neighborhoods like Les Corts, Eixample, Sagrada Familia, Gracia and Poble Nou. Stroll past some of this city's most beautiful treasures daily, as you walk to and from your Spanish abode. Most apartments combine single and double rooms. If you prefer to be placed in a single room within a shared apartment this is a good option for you. Students would share common living areas such as a kitchen and bathroom with other CEA CAPA students residing in the apartment.
Please note that there is a limited amount of single room availability. If you request a roommate, priority will be given to that request first over the specific housing type request.
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If you crave a taste of university life abroad, pay a little extra to live in a Barcelona Residencia – an apartment type building furnished with front desk service for all your housing inquiries. Specifically for local and international university students, residencias typically house 200 students – both Spanish and international – in the Eixample and Poble Nou neighborhoods. Residencia is available in fall, spring and summer programs.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
CEA CAPA students studying in Barcelona have the option of living in a studio residencia. Studios are located in a residencia - an apartment type building furnished with front desk service for all your housing inquiries. Specifically designed for local and international university students, residencias typically house 200 students and provide the privacy of an apartment (with kitchenettes and bathrooms in-suite) and the environment of student living. The residencia is located in the Poble Nou neighborhood and also includes a gym, modern study rooms, swimming pool, free breakfast to go from Monday to Friday, etc.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
Engage in Barcelona’s vibrant Catalan culture firsthand when you live in a homestay with a Local family. For the culture-seeking type who want to live life abroad exactly as their host locals do, homestays enable students the opportunity to dive headfirst into Spanish life for an additional fee.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
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.
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:
