CIEE College Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

I am so blessed to have been able to come to Barcelona to study Spanish and learn more about the unique culture of Barcelona and Catalonia. I took classes taught in Spanish, one about Art History and the other about the History of Barcelona, although I had many friends taking business, marketing, and other cultural classes in English as well. It goes to show that you can find classes about lots of different things at CIEE Barcelona! Through this program I was able to do lots of activities in and around Barcelona, as well as day trips around Catalonia. I was also able to travel to Rome, Madrid, and Glasgow during my 8 weeks here. Overall, I was able to engage with the local culture, increase my Spanish skills, and learn a lot about myself and the world. If you are on the fence- go for it!

I was extremely nervous about embarking on this program, as it was my first time traveling to another continent and being away from my friends for such an extended period. The prospect of stepping into the unknown, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and environments, was daunting. Nevertheless, I saw this as an opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Upon my arrival in Spain, I realized I was completely on my own. I didn’t know a single person in the program, which heightened my anxiety but also motivated me to be proactive in making connections. The first few days were the hardest, filled with uncertainty and a sense of isolation. However, I was determined not to let these feelings hinder my experience. I understood that to make the most of this journey, I needed to step out of my shell and engage with others. To overcome my initial nervousness, I decided to adopt an open and friendly approach. I started conversations with everyone I met, from fellow students to local residents. This wasn’t easy at first, as I have always been a bit shy. But I knew that if I didn’t take the initiative, I would miss out on the chance to form meaningful relationships and fully immerse myself in the culture. Living in the dormitory was a significant factor in helping me build friendships. The communal living environment naturally encouraged interaction and bonding. I made it a point to introduce myself to my hallmates and participate in dorm activities. This proactive approach paid off, as I quickly found a group of people with whom I clicked. We began exploring the beautiful cities and landscapes of Spain together, creating unforgettable memories along the way. Our shared adventures included visiting iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Alhambra in Granada, and the bustling streets of Madrid. We also took the time to immerse ourselves in local culture, attending flamenco shows, savoring tapas at local eateries, and participating in traditional festivals. Each experience brought us closer together and enriched our understanding of Spanish culture. One of the most rewarding aspects of this program was the diversity of the people I met. My new friends came from various backgrounds and parts of the world, each bringing their unique perspectives and stories. This diversity not only broadened my horizons but also taught me the value of embracing differences and finding common ground. Through our interactions, I developed a deeper appreciation for cultural exchange and the importance of global connections. The program also offered numerous opportunities for personal growth. Navigating a new country and adapting to a different lifestyle required resilience and flexibility. There were moments of homesickness and cultural misunderstandings, but each challenge taught me valuable lessons in patience and perseverance. By stepping out of my comfort zone and facing these obstacles head-on, I became more confident and self-reliant. In addition to personal growth, the academic aspect of the program was equally enriching. The courses I took provided me with a deeper understanding of Spanish history, language, and society. Engaging with local professors and students allowed me to gain insights that went beyond textbooks, offering a more nuanced perspective of the country. This academic experience complemented the cultural immersion, making my time in Spain both intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling. Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the initial nervousness that prompted me to take this leap. The friendships I formed and the experiences I had were beyond anything I could have imagined. This program not only allowed me to explore a beautiful country but also helped me grow as an individual. It taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and being open to the unknown. As I return home, I carry with me not just memories of Spain but also a newfound confidence and a broader worldview that will continue to shape my future endeavors.

I participated in 3 sessions of CIEE’s Summer Barcelona Business + Culture program. I had an amazing time and it was a great opportunity to build new connections while exploring Europe! During my experience, I traveled to Paris, Ibiza, Tossa De Mar, and Costa Brava. The classes were the perfect combination of in-class and out of class learning opportunities. It took a range of classes including International Marketing, Economics of Wine, and Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility: From Theory to Practice.

I had an amazing experience with CIEE and staying with a host family. CIEE prioritizes making the city accessible to its students and providing activities to get them immersed in the culture. Class schedule was easy and allowed for plenty of time to do individual exploring on the weekends. We had 2/4 Fridays off which allowed for out of country travel to be much easier. Teacher was engaging and valued our time, he acknowledged that exploring the city was more important than having homework. I learned a lot from this course and loved having such a knowledgable teacher.

I had a lot of fun in this program. My class, covered a lot of the history of the city and allowed us to go and see the city first hand in guided groups. The day trips and planned activities were very engaging. Everyone in the program was super nice and made the month really enjoyable.

Homestay mom was kind and it was great staying with her. And the amount of freedom allowed us to visit a bunch of places. I really recommend if you want to enjoy some time in Spain.

To Do While Here:
Coasta Brava
Stiges
Go to the Clubs - personal fav was Razzmatazz
Visit the Museums - they are fun and also have AC :P

I chose to do an internship through ciee for my study abroad. While the internship itself was not a good experience (for a multitude of reasons lol), ciee staff were super supportive and willing to help the experience be as good as it could be for me and the other ciee interns working with me. That's a big reason as to why I would recommend ciee- no matter the circumstance, you will learn a lot and ciee is there to help you through it all.

I loved this experience and would recommend it to anyone! I would say that you're going to mess up a lot while abroad and not everything will go as planned. But that's just part of the learning experience and the fun, and you just gotta laugh through it. This experience is what you make of it, so make sure to reach out to people and plan out some fun things to do!

Also, the dorms are private (no roomie) with own bathroom and kitchenette!

CIEE Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain has been an incredible experience in nearly all aspects. The program offers a wide array of courses to take, allowing students interested in a variety of topics to enjoy the time they spend in the classroom and learn a lot about the topics that interest them in the context of the culture around them. All of the staff at the program is willing and eager to support you through any challenges that may arise, and will do all they can to ensure that you enjoy your experience—all professors and administrative staff alike. Barcelona itself is an incredible place to study abroad, with its astonishing history, beautiful and diverse architecture, and multitude of fun activities and food at your disposal. Even better, it is both easy and relatively cheap to travel from, allowing you to experience all that Europe and beyond has to offer. Great program, great city.

CIEE Barcelona offered a wonderful study abroad program in Barcelona. The courses offered were related to academic work at my university, but students were never too busy with school work to go out and explore Barcelona's restaurant, cultural, and nightlife scenes. CIEE offered coordinated day trips and weekly activities for no additional cost that were also very enjoyable and a great way to meet more students on the program. I would recommend this program to students who are looking for an adventurous semester in Barcelona.