CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

My experience studying abroad with CEA is one I will cherish forever. I was able to challenge myself academically, experience different cultures, and meet so many amazing individuals. The staff on site were so helpful and always had great energy. The city itself was amazing to live in. The youth and vibrancy of the city offered so much whether it be food, cultural experiences, and social events. I recommend studying abroad to everyone if you can, especially college students who have some course credits they can fulfill overseas.

I lived in a subsection of the city known as Gracia. The people, events, and overall vibe of this place was what made Barcelona special. We had a local bar and restaurant that we went to frequently where we practiced our Spanish and met some of the coolest people we ever met. We knew all of the bartenders by name which gave us a sort of family and comfort living in this big city. Any time we passed them on the street, they knew us by name and would always have the biggest smiles on their faces. Despite living in this huge city, away from all family and friends, I was able to make new lifelong friends and connections that have been some of the most influential relationships I have made in the past few years.

I went during the spring of my junior year. Living with 4 other roommates 2 blocks from Sagrada Familia. When you go with CEA there is not a bad spot for housing in this city. Extremely easy to get around using the metro which is also one of the safest metro systems in all of Europe. CEA goes over everything the day you get there helping learn how to get from your new home to the CEA center. Barcelona is city full of night life with something new to do everyday & night. The airport is extremely easy to use and a safe place. CEA makes every step of getting there, going to classes (4 days a week), helping transfer grades, and everything else you can think of extremely easy. Overall, loved the people working at CEA and helping with every step of your study abroad experience.

Studying abroad through CEA in Barcelona was the best decision I could have made. I was nervous because I did not know anyone going through this program, but I was easily able to make friends who were just like me. CEA was very supportive of my academics and personal experience while I was abroad. The staff was engaging and encouraging to all the students. One of the positive aspects of CEA is that they do not have classes on Fridays. This allows students to have a 4-day school week and 3 days to travel! I am so happy that I was able to attend the CEA program in Barcelona.

My experience abroad was so unique and diverse in so many ways. First, the CEA staff and professors were awesome! They gave us so much freedom and only stepped in when we needed assistance. My professor was one of the best I have ever had. He did not give homework so we could go out and explore the world and I learned more in that class in a month than I have in the majority of my semester long classes. Everyday was a new journey and you get out what you put in to the experience. I also went by myself which I strongly encourage because you learn so much about who you are as a person and you meet way more people from all over the world. My favorite part was meeting people from all different areas of the world with different cultural backgrounds and never knowing what the new day would bring.

CEA provided with a life time changing opportunity, it helped me to discover so many good things and to achieve many others. I met people that now are my friends, I has amazing professors, and on site staff that truly cared about me. If you want to go abroad, CEA is definitely your choice!! So overall all it was such a great experience. I have heard from many students that they are curious to study abroad and let me tell you, you will never regret studying abroad, for me, it changed my life in such a positive way! So enjoy life, travel the world, meet new people, and have fun, all over while still studying.

If it was not for the on-site staff in Barcelona at the super new CEA location in the heart of Barcelona in Plaza Catalunya, I’d have not had the same experience. Staff is very nice, and I always enjoyed practicing my Spanish with them after class. I got the opportunity to build valuable relationships with them! Miss you all!

The multiple cultural activities offered as well as the weekly newsletter sent to students were great initiatives to be able to better get to know the Spanish and Catalan culture!

I enjoyed my passionate and knowledgable professors in my courses at CEA and felt close to those who worked in the office and front desk. The staff would do anything to make the experience and transition better for their students and completely defined my incredible time in Barcelona. Especially during COVID, the staff helped support students with updated travel regulations and health protocols. I always felt that my CEA staff was striving to enhance my learning and life abroad. One way the program enhancing my learning outside the classroom is with weekly field trips that teach unique historical or modern lessons regarding culture such as cooking, dancing, music, urban planning, and more! I take away so many great memories in my host city and surrounding countries.