Barcelona Regional Seminar Sparks Strategies for Deepening Student Engagement in High-Tourism Study Abroad Locations

2/13/2025

The Forum on Education Abroad hosted its fifth Regional Seminar, Cultivating Connection: Encouraging Deeper Student Engagement in Popular Education Abroad Destinations, on January 31, 2025, in Barcelona. The event convened more than 70 international education professionals to explore strategies for fostering meaningful student engagement in Europe’s most popular study abroad destinations. Hosted at the CEA CAPA Barcelona Study Center, the seminar tackled challenges like high student volumes, linguistic diversity, and tourism pressures alongside shifting priorities in higher education.

Marissa Lombardi, Ed.D., Vice President and Chief Learning Officer at The Forum on Education Abroad, emphasized the seminar’s role in shaping responsive programs. “This seminar provided a critical space for educators to reflect on the complexities of student learning in high-tourism locations. By sharing best practices and engaging in deep discussions, we move toward more intentional and immersive education abroad experiences.”

The full house of attendees were welcomed with insights from Martha Johnson, Ph.D., Chief Academic Officer and Provost at CEA CAPA, and member of The Forum’s Board of Directors, and Josep Ibáñez, Academic Director of International Programs at Universitat Pompeu Fabra. The audience was also welcomed by Amy Olson, President of the Association of American Programs in Spain (APUNE), the oldest organization in Europe dedicated to supporting American education abroad programs in Spain. Johnson highlighted shifts in U.S. higher education, noting students face increasing pressure to complete degrees efficiently, often leaving little room for language study. She also discussed competing priorities for language departments and the impact on student preparedness. Ibáñez provided a Spanish perspective, detailing Barcelona’s challenge of balancing international appeal with rigorous academics and meaningful cultural programming.

Sessions throughout the day examined the decline in language learning—and the cultural disconnects that arise as a result, and the broader impact of tourism on local communities and the environment. “Students arrive at education abroad programs eager to explore but often lack the language skills and cultural context for deep engagement,” said Johnson. “This isn’t their fault but a result of the systems they navigate. Our discussions focused on bridging this gap and helping on-site colleagues understand students’ realities. As a field, our goal is to ensure students not only experience destinations like Barcelona but connect with them meaningfully and responsibly.”

Afternoon sessions featured case studies on coursework and experiential learning, with educators from IES Abroad, CEA CAPA, and Barcelona Study Abroad Experience (SAE) sharing strategies to deepen student connections with their host environment. A special guest presentation by Ramon Tremosa i Balcells, professor at the University of Barcelona and a Barcelona City Council member, underscored the delicate balance between welcoming international students and preserving the cultural integrity of host communities.

The seminar concluded with a collaborative discussion and action-planning session led by Lombardi and Johnson, ensuring participants left with concrete strategies to implement in their programming and shape the future of education abroad in popular European destinations. During the session, attendees contributed to a word cloud reflecting their sentiments about the Regional Seminar, with “inspired” as the overwhelming top answer, followed by “motivated,” “positive,” and “energized.” “The energy in the room was truly inspiring,” said Lombardi. “We’re not just identifying challenges; we’re building solutions that will shape the future of education abroad.” Many participants expressed a renewed drive to create more immersive and meaningful student experiences.

Through rich discussions, expert insights, and actionable takeaways, the Barcelona Regional Seminar reinforced the critical role of education abroad in fostering cross-cultural understanding—particularly in destinations shaped by high tourism. Participants explored both the challenges and opportunities of integrating students into communities navigating the complexities of mass tourism, leaving with concrete strategies to enhance student engagement while respecting local cultures.

The Forum’s Regional Seminars are designed by and for education abroad professionals and faculty, offering space for learning, networking, and collaboration around topics relevant to specific regions. Find us in Berlin in April and Rabat in May, with more Regional Seminars to be announced this calendar year. Or perhaps you are interested in hosting a Regional Seminar! Learn more about what hosting a seminar entails and submit your proposal online.

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Barcelona Regional Seminar Sparks Strategies for Deepening Student Engagement in High-Tourism Study Abroad Locations

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