Study Abroad Programs in Barcelona, Spain

Exploring Barcelona

There are endless opportunities to discover in the culturally rich city for a student studying abroad in Barcelona. Barcelona's allure extends far beyond its renowned art, architecture, and culinary scene. With its significant political, economic, and cultural impact, coupled with a respected higher education system, the city has become a captivating destination for students worldwide seeking enriching study abroad experiences. Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and is the capital of Catalonia. Nestled right on the coast, Barcelona offers a wide range of terrain ranging from enchanting mountains to serene beaches. 

Furthermore, Barcelona's vibrant atmosphere fosters a dynamic learning environment, where students can immerse themselves in diverse perspectives and forge lasting connections. Whether exploring its historic neighborhoods, attending cultural events, experiencing the nightlife, or engaging in academic pursuits, Barcelona offers a transformative experience that extends beyond the classroom.

Student Life

Barcelona provides students with everything they could desire. The city has enough to offer where you will never get bored. Barcelona is home to the world-renowned football club, FC Barcelona. Although the original stadium, Camp Nou, is currently under renovation, there is no need to stress. Goals are still being scored in the Olympic Stadium which is in the heart of the city. Barcelona boasts an incredible nightlife scene, perfect for young students. The beach is a hotspot for some of the major clubs, with unique offerings every day of the week. If clubs aren’t your cup of tea, there are hundreds of casual, mellow bars that are just as much fun. Interested in taking a day trip to the outskirts of Barcelona or even out of the city? The surrounding areas provide exceptional excursions with much to discover. Explore the breathtaking landscape of Montserrat where you can witness rock formations unlike anything else. Take a trip up the coast to Costa Brava where you can find dozens of scenic destinations all along the beach. 

Planning Your Trip

So you’ve decided to study in Barcelona, what’s next? 

Student Housing

There are a few different options for student housing in Barcelona. The most common choices are shared apartments or residencias (dorm-type living). The majority of abroad students choose these options as they are the most practical and are easily the most social where it’s easy to meet other abroad students. Another option is homestay where you can live with a family in Barcelona. This gives you a full Spanish experience where you are truly immersed in the local culture. 

Spanish Culture

The Spanish culture is unique in all the best ways. People are very friendly in Barcelona - even to foreigners. The quality of life here in Spain is unlike any other place in the world. In Spain, people cherish their free time and live life to the fullest. A common expression is that people here work to live. They work to enjoy their lives outside of the workplace, contrary to the culture in many other countries. Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, boasts a unique cultural identity that sets it apart from other Spanish cities. At the heart of Barcelona's cultural landscape is its deep-rooted appreciation for art, architecture, gastronomy, and community. Art and architecture thrive in Barcelona, evident in the works of iconic figures like Antoni Gaudí, whose masterpieces such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell showcase the city's bold and experimental spirit. Catalan cuisine is another integral aspect of the city’s culture. Barcelona is known for its tapas bars and paella. 

Cost

Being that Barcelona is a big city, it is more expensive than some other places in Spain but overall is cheaper than other cities around Europe. There are plenty of spots around the city where you can get meals for a good price. Transportation is quite easy and affordable with a metro system that takes you virtually anywhere around the city at reasonable prices - you can purchase a 30-day metro pass for €20. 

StudiesIn

The StudiesIn Team assists students in fulfilling their dream of studying in Spain. The process of applying to study abroad can be frustrating and tedious, which is why the StudiesIn Team does the majority of the work for you. Attaining a visa, finding the right university that is fit for you, housing accommodations, and more are all covered under what StudiesIn has to offer. With personalized counselors, StudiesIn promises to make this process as easy as can be to give you a stress-free experience of applying to study abroad. Transform your study abroad dreams in Spain into reality with StudiesIn. Our dedicated team is here to support you at every stage. Contact our counselors today and let us accompany you on this thrilling journey. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to Spain and witnessing your success as you embark on this transformative experience.

Study Abroad Programs in Barcelona

Barcelona offers several study abroad programs for international students including: 

CIEE: 

Situated on a beautiful pedestrian passageway near Barcelona's main square, Plaça Catalunya, CIEE Barcelona occupies two adjacent houses that have been connected and fondly named "La Casa." The street was built in the 1860s, and today, the whole passageway preserves the stunning appearance of that era. The Center features 10 classrooms, a student lounge, a library and study space, a student life office, an academic advising office, and complimentary WiFi and printer access. 

CEA: 

CEA offers many different programs depending on your area of study. Some of the programs include:

• Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
• International Business
• Communication and Journalism

IES: 

The IES Abroad Barcelona Center is located in the heart of Barcelona, just off the Plaza Catalunya. Whether you’re taking a stroll by the Arco de Triunfo, or studying at a nearby café, the Center is your study abroad hub. Some of the programs they offer include: 

• Arts and Culture
• Engineering
• Journalism and Communication

My Experience - Andrew Kornfeld

When I first arrived in Barcelona, my first impression of the city truly exceeded my expectations. Upon arriving, you can see the natural beauty of the city right away. As you journey, you encounter rolling hills, and as you move through the city, its charm only amplifies with tranquil beaches and awe-inspiring architecture. After checking in to my residencia, it was time to explore the city. My suitemates and I walked around for a few hours discovering different landmarks such as La Sagrada Familia and Barceloneta Beach. As day turned into night we decided to wander until we found a bar we liked. Barcelona is known for its nightlife and we were excited to find out for ourselves what it was like. We found a local bar full of Spanish students and spent a couple of hours conversing with the locals and trading stories from our hometowns. The Spaniards were more than welcoming to us foreigners and truly appreciated our efforts to speak Spanish. Days turned into weeks which turned into months and before I knew it, my time in Barcelona had come and gone. I couldn’t have fathomed how valuable this experience would be for me. Living in a new city, halfway across the world from my hometown has been something that will stick with me for the rest of my life. I made dozens of friends, countless memories, and had an experience that not many people can say they had. I consider Barcelona my home away from home. If you are thinking of maybe studying abroad, I cannot stress enough how incredible this experience was for me. Despite traveling to different countries, Barcelona was easily my favorite destination.

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