CAPA WORLD

Spain has been ranked as the number one most popular study abroad destination for American students by GoOverseas. We’re thrilled to offer both our CAPA Global Cities program and a direct enroll option with a local university in the vibrant, lively, and exciting city of Barcelona.

So, why study abroad in Barcelona? Let’s dive in…

We’re very excited to introduce and welcome our team of official bloggers and vloggers for Spring 2020!

Each of them will receive a grant accompanied by an explorer fund while they are abroad to help them generate their stories here on CAPA World. From pre-departure thoughts through their reflection upon their return to The States, we will watch the stories of these students unfold as they learn about their host country, explore and discover the real city beyond stereotypes and expectations, interact with locals, focus on their academics and complete internships.

So who are they and where are they going?

During a time of political tension in Barcelona, student blogger Isha was able to learn about how locals feel about the issues at hand while observing the conflict from the outside.

Meet Jackson Schiefelbein (he/him/his), an official CAPA Instagram TV vlogger in Barcelona, Spain for Spring 2020:

University: Arizona State University
Major: Sustainability & Global Studies
Study Abroad Location: Barcelona, Spain
Internship or volunteer placement:  N/A

What are you most excited for during your study abroad semester?
I am looking forward to experiencing the unique cultural blend of Barcelona and the political climate of the region. The mix of international residents with Spanish and Catalan natives creates an interesting city rich in history not many other places can stake claim to.

Meet Nina Vrtjak, an official CAPA blogger in Barcelona, Spain for Spring 2020:

University: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Major: Accounting and Human Resources
Study abroad location: Barcelona, Spain
Internship or volunteer placement: N/A

What are you most excited for during your study abroad semester?
I am most excited to experience a culture different from mine. I hope to encounter other ways of life, hear people’s stories, and learn more about myself.

We are excited to announce that the Spring 2020 CAPA Pals program has launched! Find out more about how students who sign up integrate into the CAPA community and develop a support network before they arrive in country. 

Barcelona attracts tourists from around the world for a variety of reasons: the food, history, art, architecture, and more. In this blog post, Isha gives us a peek into Barcelona's incredible cultural scene and shares some of her favorite museums in the city for history and art.

If you're a foodie, Barcelona is the place to be! Specifically, Isha recommends visiting La Boqueria, a bustling market where you'll find native Catalonian specialties, as well as high-quality food from around the world.

Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is truly an urban campus, clustered in three main areas of Barcelona: Ciutadella, Poblenou, and Mar. The majority of CAPA students will study on the Ciutadella campus, so this blog will focus on the neighborhood where it this campus is located and the walkable areas nearby. This is called Barri Gòtic (or the Gothic Quarter), which is within the larger Ciutat Vella (old town) district. UPF is very well connected to the rest of the city, located near the neighborhoods of El Raval, with its art galleries and famous La Boqueria market, Poble Sec’s old-school playhouses and charming cafes, and La Barceloneta, which is lined with sandy beaches.

Read on to find out about some of our favorite local highlights, some useful amenities, a brief snippet of history, a look at the area’s general demographics, and some notes on transport links.

If you want to explore the city you're studying abroad in while getting work done, student blogger Isha recommends studying in local bookstores, coffee shops, and coworking spaces. Read more to find out her favorite spots to get work done in Barcelona!