AIFS Abroad in Barcelona, Spain (UAB): Semester

While clicking the "submit" button on my application to study abroad in Barcelona, I took a chance and had no idea that I was enabling myself to embark on the grandest adventure of my life. Looking back at my four months living in Barcelona, I see a whole new person from the beginning to the end. I knew I would grow as a person in my four months abroad, but I did not realize the capacities or mountains I would cross to get to where I am today. I cannot emphasize how important it is to study abroad while in college. Studying abroad provides a foundation for personal growth that nothing else can compare to. Living, traveling, and learning in another country is life changing in every way because of the simplicity of every day life. Learning from the locals, traveling, running into road bumps, getting lost, missing flights and exploring historical treasures are just a few of the everyday activities that help a person grow while abroad. The AIFS program is a huge part of what makes studying abroad in Barcelona so special. The on-site staff truly supported me and pushed me outside my comfort zone. Studying in Barcelona is unique because you have the privilege of experiencing the Mediterranean sea, the mountains, a lively city filled with passionate locals, unimaginable art and architecture, and a million stories of historic events. Take a chance and study abroad through AIFS in Barcelona, I promise it WILL be the best four months of your entire life.

All aspects of this program was amazing. From the moment we landed in Barcelona the staff was always there to help regardless of the situation. The staff made the transition very easy and smooth. The program offers a wide variety of excursions to immerse yourself in the culture and make you feel like a local. I would definitely recommend participating in the optional weekend excursions, these were some of my favorite moments. I know I will never forget paragliding in Interlaken, Switzerland, riding camels in Morocco and eating tapas in Seville, Spain.
What you learn both inside and outside of the classroom will have long term impacts after you return from this amazing experience. Everyone will return with new skills, life long memories, and life long friends.

My semester abroad was one of the most positive experiences of my life. I went during the Spring semester of my junior year, which is a time that I highly recommend to go. I think it is important to have a few semesters of college under your belt before you go abroad because I think it will make you feel better prepared to enter into a completely new environment. Also, when you return to your home institution, you have time to go abroad again. AIFS made the entire experience so positive and memorable for a number of reasons. One of the things that has stuck with me the most is how supported I felt by the local AIFS staff while I was away. They were willing to help with anything, whether it was a recommendation for dinner or taking me to the doctor when I was sick. After speaking with prospective students at California Lutheran University, I often hear that they are most concerned about the cost of going abroad and their living situation while they are there. AIFS is affordable and able to work with students no matter what their financial situation is. The program offers clean, safe, and modern accommodations close to the university campuses in Barcelona and the social scene. Overall, I cannot say enough great things about AIFS and I highly encourage you to check out the numerous programs they offer. Even if you do not go through AIFS, I strongly feel that everyone should study abroad if they have the opportunity. It is an amazing experience that you will carry with you throughout the rest of your life.

It is impossible to not fall in love with Barcelona. There is something for everyone here. From the beach, nightlife, and markets, there is something for everyone to do. And because Barcelona has a pretty big airport, travelling throughout Europe is extremely easy. The best part of my entire trip was getting the oppotunity to travel. I was able to see the worlds tallest building in Dubai, Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, and the Northern lights in Iceland. I would have never gotten these chances so close together if I hadnt studied abroad!

I´ve had an amazing expierience abroad and had the opportunity to come to Barcelona and was grateful to recieve a scholarship that covered half my tuition. I`ve had the chance to visit many places in Europe that was on my bucket list on weekends. I´ve made so many friends that I will truly miss since we all live far from eachother in the states. Inma, Jenn and Georgina were all so helpful and nice. I loved expieriencing a homestay I woke up to breakfast and came from a long day of classes to dinner daily as well. I would recommend everyone to study abroad its a great expierience and you see the world differently.

The best experience of my life was going to Carnival in Stiges. It was something like no other. I can´t even begin to explain how amazing it was. I don´t even remember everything but it was still a party like no other. Also, I love all of the floats, music, dancers, etc. It was even more great because we got to dress up too. The perfect party atomsphere with amazing people. I wish could say more. Its just something that you have to experience yourself. A must go too!

I loved being able to study abraod here in Barcelona. I feel it was important to stay and experience Barcelona as much as you can, but also to travel and experience the different cultures throughout Europe and the rest of the world. My favorite city that I was able to visit abroad, other than Barcelona, was Lyon, France. Lyon was an amazing city to see first hand, and see the French culture there. It was an amazing experience overall to say the least!

It is hard to think of one speciofic story as the whole experience was a great story. I would have to say that the most memorable was not exactly what I did but rather who i did it with. I was lucky to experience great friends through the program, school, and abroad in general. I did not realize the strong connections and friendships i would make swtudying abroad. It is sad to think that I will not be able to share experiences with the same group of people again. It was unforgettable and hope to keep in touch with the people I have met abroad.