CAPA WORLD

When you directly enroll on the new CAPA Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) study abroad program, you’ll be welcomed into one of Spain’s most prestigious academic institutions. UPF ranks in the top 1.1% of universities worldwide, has been named number 11 among the world’s top young universities by Times Higher Education and best university in Spain by the (London) Times Higher Education Supplement.

After just two weeks in Barcelona, Isha is left spellbound by the city. She writes about preparing for a culture shock and how she adjusted to a new living environment. She also learns about the philosophy of adopting the city as part of your living space and navigating Barcelona through its neighborhoods.

Have you heard that we’ve launched a brand new study abroad program with Barcelona’s Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) this year?

CAPA students can now directly enroll at UPF during spring, summer, and fall terms for a truly international experience. Sign up and you’ll live, learn, and enjoy Barcelona just like a local, surrounded by students and faculty from an incredible mix of nationalities.

There's no better way to truly begin to understand your study abroad destination than by getting to know the locals who call the city home. Whether it's CAPA staff, a host family, other students, your internship colleagues or the fruit vendor on the corner, you'll find plenty of opportunities to do so. Below, we share a few of the best ways to seek out local connections in Barcelona. 

We’re very excited to introduce and welcome our team of official bloggers and vloggers for Fall 2019!

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?

Beginning in Spring 2020, we’re launching a brand new series of study abroad programs that allow you to directly enroll with five universities in countries across the globe. You’ll live and learn exactly like a local, be able to complete required courses in your major, and be deeply immersed in student and campus life.

Meet Isha Mahajan, an official CAPA blogger in Barcelona, Spain for Fall 2019:

University: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Major: Political Science and Journalism
Study abroad location: Barcelona, Spain
Internship or volunteer placement: TBC

What are you most excited for during your study abroad semester?
I am excited to witness the culture that the city of Barcelona has to offer. To explore the architecture, to visit the different photo ops, and to try the diverse cuisine in the city are some of the things I’m most looking forward to during the semester.

Over the course of 6 weeks in the summer, Grace interned with the Barcelona International Human Rights Film Festival. She reveals 3 major things that she got a hang of for a great experience abroad. She shares how she embraced the cultural differences and centered her perspective on growth instead of failure. Whether you're nervous about interning in a different culture or motivated to exceed your internship expectations, read this post as you get your ducks in a row for a successful time abroad!

Want to know the secrets to having a successful internship? Grace gathers advice from her fellow CAPA Barcelona interns and shares what you need to know about socializing with your coworkers, staying on top of your work, and being proactive.

P.S. Feel free to pass this along to your friends who plan on interning too!

"Thoughts on Education Abroad" is a monthly column written by CAPA The Global Education Network's Deputy President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Michael Woolf.

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In this month's column, Dr. Mike Woolf describes the connection and relationships between the Jewish and Black communities with music—specifically jazz music. He also shares numerous historic examples of how music represents the empathy found in each community, as well as the controversies that marginalize minorities and their shared experiences.