Study Abroad Programs in Barcelona
Wouldn’t it be great to go to school in another country? Imagine the stories you could tell! Think of the people you’d meet! The food you’d eat! The sights you’d see! All you have to do is commit to the opportunity and make it happen. Your study abroad adventure awaits! Study abroad programs in Barcelona give you a chance to go to school in another country and to explore a beautiful and fascinating city.
Whether you elect to spend a summer, semester, academic year, gap-year, or even spring break in Barcelona, you’re likely to return home having had a wonderful experience.
What Can I Study in a Barcelona Study Abroad Program?
Barcelona study abroad programs engage students in a variety of subjects across disciplines. To explore your options, you can use our search tool to browse by specialty or level (high school, undergraduate, or graduate). As you browse by specialty, consider your major, your minor, and interests. Also consider what types of studies might enhance your academic, professional, and personal goals. To determine whether or not a given program will help you meet obligations toward your diploma or degree, talk to an academic counselor at your home school.
Keep in mind that while you’re studying in Barcelona, Spain, you may also be able to study Spanish or Catalan, the two primary languages in Barcelona. Whether through a structured program or by conversing with Spanish-speaking friends, classmates, instructors, and people you come across in day-to-day life, you may be able to expand your vocabulary and practice your speaking, listening, and reading skills. Learning how to speak another language may be a great gift to your resume and enhance your experience as a global citizen.
What Will Life Be Like As I Study Abroad in Barcelona?
Your experience in Barcelona will of course depend on your personality, your program, and your daily choices! However, we can give you a sense of what it might be like to live and study in Barcelona.
Located along the Iberian Peninsula on the northeastern coast of Spain, Barcelona is the second most populous city in Spain after Madrid.[i] It is the capital city and province of Catalonia and shares borders with Aragon and Valencia, Spain and France. It’s nestled between multiple rivers, the Collserola Mountains, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Barcelona’s culture emerges from its Catalonian and Spanish roots. Its history infuses its present with an energy that is at once celebratory, creative, passionate, and full of pride. Barcelona tells its story and expresses its character and creative spirit through museums, galleries, festivals, and local fairs. It invites people to celebrate life in its many restaurants, music venues (from operas to discotecas), theatres, and coffee shops.
As you wander through Barcelonan neighborhoods, you’ll likely notice that age-old architecture and historical landmarks blend with modern buildings and amenities to create an eclectic and fascinating cityscape. Its pedestrian-friendly streets meander through lines of quaint houses, trendy cafes, and stylish boutiques, and its parks, public squares, and sidewalk cafes invite people to sit, socialize, and play games. You may find the atmosphere in Barcelona quite inviting and invigorating.
Here are some specific ways to enjoy Barcelona’s culture:
- Enjoy tapas or a café con leche as you wander the streets of Barcelona or pause at sidewalk cafes. Alternatively, walk up the La Rambla walkway to see some of Barcelona’s prized historical buildings. Meet friends, engage with locals, and otherwise enjoy Barcelona’s social scene as you do.
- Ponder the works of Antonio Gaudi, a nineteenth century architect who designed Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and others. His works are amazingly unique and add intrigue and whimsy to Barcelona’s cityscape
- Head to El Raval, one of Barcelona’s most diverse communities, to enjoy live music, delicious food, and local shops.
- Examine Barcelona’s history at the Museu d’Historia de Barcelona, the MUHBA El Call, the Temple d’August, and the Born Centre Cultural.
- Witness the works of Picasso, whose stomping ground was Barcelona in his early life, at the Museu Picasso and Els Quatre Gats, a once-favorite gathering spot for famous artists.
How Can I Find My Perfect Study Abroad Program in Barcelona, Spain?
We’ve put together a list of Barcelona, Spain study abroad programs for high school students, undergraduate students, graduate students, Gap Year students, and others. You can explore your options through our listed programs or refine your search using our search tool. When you find a program you like, contact it for more information or to sign up. If you’re ready to study abroad, Barcelona, Spain might be the perfect location. Enjoy!
