Location
  • Spain
    • Barcelona
Term
Fall, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Accounting Art History Arts Business Communications Computer Science Economics Education European Studies Finance Hospitality International Business International Relations Latin American Studies Liberal Arts Marketing Social Sciences Tourism +8
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Housing
Apartment Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Starting Price
5000
Price Details
• Comprehensive Advising and Support
• Tuition at the Host University
• Official Transcript from Host University with ISA Cover Letter
• Housing
• Meals and Laundry Services
• Bridging Cultures Program
• Full-Time Resident Staff
• On-Site ISA Offices
• Computer and Internet Access
• Excursions
• The ISA Discovery Model
• Cultural Activities
• Medical Insurance
• Comprehensive Health, Safety and Security Support
• Airport Reception
• Visa Support
• Tutoring
• The Professional Development Toolbox
• Scholarship Opportunities
Jun 19, 2024
Sep 19, 2024
35 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

International Studies Abroad (ISA) offers this exciting program in Barcelona, Spain. With four different schools to choose from, ISA makes it easy to find the perfect fit for you. Study at the Pompeu Fabra University, Autonomous University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, or Menéndez Pelayo International University-Barcelona!

Barcelona is a large city (pop 1.5 million) in the northeastern corner of Spain with history dating back 2,500 years. The gothic architecture clashes with the modern city, making this eccentric destination like few others in the world. Check out ISA's extensive website to find out every detail you need to make the right decision!

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

Our team at ISA is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and ISA staff. We have developed our ISA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations. Our country-specific diversity pages offer information about the societies and cultural history of ISA destinations. This information can be used to start your reflection about how your intersecting identities relate to the host community context.
Our team at ISA is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and ISA staff. We have developed our ISA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders. Our country-specific diversity pages offer information about the societies and cultural history of ISA destinations. This information can be used to start your reflection about how your intersecting identities relate to the host community context.
ISA is committed to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of neurodivergence. Our Health & Safety team is available to answer questions about insurance and medication, as well as provide students with materials on overseas access to support.
ISA is committed to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of accessibility. With our wide portfolio of program types and locations we’re confident there is a suitable and accessible program for each student. Accommodations abroad can be complex and take time, so those with accessibility needs should inform ISA of any accommodations requests as early as possible in the advising process. Please contact accessibilityteam@studiesabroad.com with questions or for more information.

Impact

We have partnered with Fill it Forward to engage team members and program participants in waste reduction practices. The goal is to encourage the elimination of single-use waste. Every QR code scan shows the impact of reusable bottles and unlocks a donation to environmental impact groups.
WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.

Program Highlights

  • In 1999, Barcelona became the only city to be awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for Architecture by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
  • Spain has the third largest number of UNESCO sites in the world and is known for its culinary art, architecture, and beautiful beaches.
  • Optional overnight excursion to Morocco
  • Take courses taught in English with local Spanish students as well as other international students.
  • Perfect for students majoring in Spanish or trying to finish a Spanish minor, but there are also several courses taught in English.

Popular Programs

barcelona

Located in the heart of the city, the Universidad Pompeu Fabra sits next to the beautiful Ciutadella Park and only blocks from the Barceloneta beach. The UPF offers a variety of courses including Cultural/Area Studies with international students in both English and Spanish, and Business courses during the Spring and Fall semesters.

barcelona

The Universidad de Barcelona, located in the very center of the city, is the oldest university in the city and is housed in a beautiful, historic building. Courses offered through this program are perfect for students majoring in Spanish or trying to finish a Spanish minor, but there are also several courses taught in English. The Universidad de Barcelona is fully accredited and recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sport (Ministerio de Educación, Cultura, y Deporte).

barcelona

CETT is an extension of the Universidad de Barcelona dedicated to tourism, gastronomy, and hospitality management. You will be taking courses with both international and local students and will be able to take classes in either English or Spanish. This campus is located about 25 minutes by public transportation from the city center. The Universidad de Barcelona is fully accredited and recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sport.

barca

Although the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona’s primary campus is outside of the city, you will be attending classes at the Sant Pau campus, which is near the Sagrada Familia. It is centrally located in Barcelona and are easily accessible by public transportation. You will be studying with other international students and will be able to choose from a wide variety of courses in Cultural Studies, Business, Economics, Art History, and International Relations, most of which are taught in English.

barca

The UIMP, whose central campus is in Santander, offers numerous post-graduate seminars in various fields as well as courses in Spanish as a Second Language at various satellite campuses throughout Spain. The language courses in Barcelona are held at the UIMP’s academic center which is just a short walk from the ISA office. The UIMP’s courses are only offered in the Summer and range from beginner-level language courses to advanced-level content courses taught in Spanish.

barca

Elisava is the design school of Universitat de Vic – Universitat Central de Catalunya. You will be studying different design disciplines on a small design-focused campus with state of the art facilities located just off Las Ramblas, in the heart of Barcelona, where all of the other students share the same focus. The Universidad de Vic is fully accredited and recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sport (Ministerio de Educación, Cultura, y Deporte)

Program Reviews

4.90 Rating
based on 31 reviews
  • 5 rating 90.32%
  • 4 rating 9.68%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.15
  • Support 4.65
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.7
  • Safety 4.8
Showing 9 - 16 of 31 reviews
Default avatar
Ethan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time in Barcelona

It was simply the best time of my life. Finally got the opportunity to visit so many places in Europe. I got to learn & expand my knowledge of spanish as well. Being able to travel relatively cheaply is awesome as well. The BCN airport is super easy to get to & always has flights to anywhere. The schooling was great as well. Most of the professors speak great english & are super useful for anything! The Barcelona metro system is great as well. It really can get you anywhere. The tourist attractions in Barcelona are second to none.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Make use of every minute of free time. Explore more.
Pros
  • Safety
  • Spanish
  • Transit
Cons
  • Dirty
  • Crowded
  • Expensive
52 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Dylan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Decision of My College Career

International Studies Abroad went over the top with my program. They felt like my far away-from-home family. The staff and the students were very supportive and friendly. Everyone was happy to be there and wanted to share whatever knowledge they had. Everything was planned out great and they were on top of everything. There isn't much at all I would recommend changing out the program. They were there for me and made sure I was having the best time I could be having. They were able to show us around the city and help get us settled in for our new life for the next 4 months.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I was on a weekend trip to a small town in Germany called Hannover. I went to this restaurant where they had Kebaps. Which is a popular dish in Europe. Except everything on the menu was in German. I didn't know what anything was. So I decided to order the thing that had the longest name. And I'm not sure what it was, but it was the best food I have ever eaten in my life. It was like some kind of chili in a bowl with bread as the base. I don't even know how to describe it haha.
Pros
  • Made sure I was always doing alright
  • Gave plenty of notice before any event we did
  • Went out of their way to immerse us into the culture as much as possible
Cons
  • I wish they told me my host mom only spoke spanish
  • I wish I was kinda taught how to navigate the city
56 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Gracie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

If you're thinking about... DO IT!!

My study abroad experience was the most incredible 4 months of my life! Barcelona is a beautiful, electric city full of culture, amazing food, beautiful beaches, and more. I got to learn a lot about international business and Spanish/Mediterranean culture through school, which has become a big talking point for me in post-grad job interviews. I was able to travel to so many cool places in Spain, as well as several other countries. I even got to go to Morocco with our program, where we camped in the Sahara desert and rode camels. And most importantly, I met the most amazing people I still talk to daily and continue to travel with. Study abroad in Barcelona- you won't regret it!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take advantage of everything living abroad has to offer!! Try new foods, travel as much as you can, and remember- you can sleep when you're dead! You'll only regret the chances you don't take.
Pros
  • Lots of stuff to do in the city
  • Fun excursions through the program
  • I got 15 transfer credits to my home university
Cons
  • I wish it was longer!
54 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Maria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Study Abroad Experience was a Dream!

My study abroad experience with ISA was nothing short of amazing. From the outset, ISA went above and beyond to provide a comprehensive program. The professional development opportunities were invaluable, setting the stage for personal and academic growth. Even after the program, ISA Brought me on as a global ambassador, where I was paid to talk about my experience, and help other people discover their study abroad program. The excursions offered during the program were not just outings but immersive experiences.

What truly sets this experience apart, however, is the lifelong friendships forged. My study abroad friends, whom I met through ISA, have become an integral part of my life. The bond we share is not just a result of shared experiences; it's a connection forged for life. We are so close that we're planning a reunion soon!

ISA excelled in every aspect, ensuring that my time abroad was the best period of my life so far. From academics to safety, from housing to orientation into the country, every detail was handled. I only felt confidence moving into the experience because I knew ISA had my back.

I can confidently say that choosing ISA for my study abroad experience was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's an investment in not just education but in a transformative journey that continues to shape my perspective and relationships.

49 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lillian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ISA in Barcelona: A "must do" in life

I had never been out of the country and here I was about to do it for the first time on my own. Not going would have been the biggest regret of my life. I did this program on my own in order to step out of my comfort zone and it was the best decision I have made. The friends that I made are still my best friends to this day. ISA helped me fall in love with Barcelona. The city is beautiful, lively, kind and there is never a dull moment. The University staff truly cares for you. I wish I was there.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't take anything for granted and make the most of it. It is a busy and exciting 6 months but looking back I wouldn't change anything. Take the random 20 euro flight to the new country. Introduce yourself to new people. Try new foods.
Pros
  • Amazing place to meet people- locals and students are super kind
  • Big city, but there is so much more than just city life (never bored)
  • Great night life
Cons
  • Housing is random
36 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Carly
4/5
No, I don't recommend this program

love

Studying in Barcelona was one of the best experiences of my life. I have nothing but good things to say about it. The class structure took some time to get used to because they were different than the US but it was fairly easy to learn the ways they wanted the classrooms to run. I got to meet people from all around the world and even connect with people I would be able to meet up with in the states. I loved getting to learn about the world from a European point of view instead of the United States views.

36 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Brooke
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer in Barcelona!

My summer study abroad experience in Barcelona was truly unforgettable! It was a transformative opportunity that expanded my academic horizons, deepened my cultural understanding, and fueled a lifelong passion for travel! Barcelona's central location allowed us to easily travel to lots of different destinations, adding even more depth to the experience. An amazing aspect of this program was the opportunity to connect with new people. Choosing to live in an apartment with girls also in the program was one of the best decisions. It truly felt like we were immersed into the energy of the city and became part of Barcelona. I absolutely recommend studying abroad through ISA, you will not regret it!

46 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Joshua
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad in Barcelona in 2023

I highly recommend this trip. I think everything went as well as things could possibly go. My professor was funny, helpful, and very knowledgeable. I learned a lot in my class. It was challenging but not too hard. I felt completely safe in Barcelona. I was able to work out at a gym, go to the movies, go grocery shopping, and pretty much live my life how I do back in the United States. However, I was also able to see all of the museums, the sites, and get a good slice of Spanish culture. I had taken 3 semesters of Spanish which helped me greatly get around the city. This was my first time out of the country and the ISA staff gave me the best possible experience I could have hoped for.

Pros
  • Very safe to be out at night. I never felt unsafe at any point during my trip.
  • There is so much to see. I explored every day and was always seeing something new.
  • The food is far healthier than in the United States. There is far less sugar in everything.
Cons
  • You should know basic Spanish otherwise it may be difficult getting around.
  • Stores are closed for siesta at random points in the middle of the day.
  • Be wary of pickpockets.
45 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers