CEA Student Life: Barcelona Staff

CEA believes it is very important to have a resident staff that works to ensure your well being and that of all CEA students. Our Campus Director - Barcelona, Idoia Elizalde, and her staff will:

• Be available to assist you with any difficulties or questions that may arise during your program;
• Act as a liaison between you and the administration of the host institution;
• Help you make a smooth transition into Spanish culture and educational system;
• Closely monitor your academic progress; and
• Organize a wide range of social and cultural activities.

Questions about the Barcelona staff? Email

Meet the Barcelona Staff

 View the Barcelona Staff

Idoia García Elizalde Campus Director - Barcelona	Richard Evans Academic Director of Spain Programs; Associate Academic Dean - Barcelona	Ines Fransen Academic Coordinator
Enric Figueras Assistant Academic Dean	Ariadna Sanahuja Vélez Student Services Director	Mónica Rodriguez Student Services Coordinator
Eloi Herrero Student Services Assistant	Sandra Tomás Student Services Assistant	Laura Salvadó Housing Director
Diana Cowell Housing Coordinator	Beatriz Rovira Housing Assistant	Victor Lahoz Housing Assistant
Nadia Younes Housing Assistant	Andreea Bordei Student Services Assistant	Teresa Holzl Student Services Assistant
Josep Tarrida Desktop & Network Support Engineer

Here's what Idoia has to say about Barcelona

As a non native of Barcelona, the first thing that impressed me was the cultural diversity of the city. Being able to walk along Roman ruins, have coffee by a Gothic palace, stroll by surreal and unique buildings, and dine in modern complexes by the port are things you can only do in a city like Barcelona.

I feel Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan city in Spain. In its streets you will find people of all nationalities and cultures. It is said that Barcelona is the Spanish city that attracts the largest number of international students. Barcelona holds countless international sports, music and artistic events and it hosts the most avant-garde theater groups. This is not to say that Barcelona has lost its identity and its "catalaness"; popular culture is always present in the streets. One can enjoy "Sardanas" (Catalan popular dance) every Sunday evening by the Cathedral or "Castellers" (Catalan human towers) in many festivities as well as enjoy its typical cuisine. Barcelona is a great example of a perfect balance between modern and traditional.

What I really like about Barcelona is its climate and location. Barcelona enjoys mild winters and long summers that allow you to enjoy activities outdoors like having a drink on the terrace or going to the beach almost all year around. As for the location, Barcelona is two hours drive to one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in Spain, the Pyrenees, and a short drive to some of the most incredible Spanish beaches in the Costa Brava. Barcelona International Airport is an easily accessible gateway to the rest of Europe and even more so now since there are numerous low cost airlines that operate to and from Barcelona.

As a international student in Barcelona, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the immense cultural diversity of the city, afford a large number of cultural events (Barcelona is renown for its free street entertainment), move around easily with its fantastic public transport system both day and night, and of course, enjoy some of the best night life in Europe.

Barcelona CEA onsite staff make sure that students get an insight of Barcelona and its culture through a very comprehensive agenda of activities that are very attractive to young people, while remaining educational and fun.