About Taking a Gap Year in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most unique cities in the world. Due to its strategically important location on the Mediterranean, it has at times been ruled by the Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, Charlemagne's son Louis the Poius, and finally Spain. Barcelona serves as the political and cultural center of the autonomous community of Catalonia. With its cultural sites, diverse culinary scene, and great nightlife, Barcelona is frequently rated as one of the top cities in the world to visit.
Barcelona Fast Facts
- Population: 1,621,537 (city limits), 3,218,071 (metro area)
- Popular Destinations: the Barri Gotic, the works of Antoni Gaudi, and the Sagrada Familia
- Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, behind Madrid.
- Locals speak Catalan, a unique language that has elements of the Spanish, Portuguese and French languages.
Types of Gap Year Programs
Internships:
With Barcelona's vibrant economy, there are numerous opportunities for professional internships in many fields including accounting, communications, business, marketing, and fashion. You can directly apply for internships via company websites, but it may be better to go through a placement service that specializes in matching interns with opportunities. Here are a few options to get you started:
- Barcelona Study Abroad Experience: Barcelona SAE has internships listed by field, as well as other customized placement options.
- Adelante Abroad: Has a nice listing of internships by field, with detailed descriptions for each opportunity.
- Global Experiences: Listings by field, along with specific dates and length of internship, and details for trying to get a long-term position after the internship concludes.
Teaching English:
There is a big need for teaching English in Barcelona within organizations and schools, as well as private tutors. While you will need a visa to work with companies or at schools, you may be able to find opportunities to teach privately. A TEFL certificate (or equivalent) is advisable as it opens up more opportunities. The best way to find opportunities is through local sites like Loquo and InfoJobs. These jobs are harder to line up in advance - you may have to be located in Barcelona before applying.
Volunteering:
Since Barcelona is a very developed city, volunteer opportunities may be more limited than other regions, but you just need to look for them. Providers like Connect-123 that serve in areas like human rights, animals & wildlife, environment, and public health.
Planning Your Gap Year in Barcelona
Cost of Living in Barcelona:
The cost of living in Barcelona can vary depending on what neighborhood you live in, but in general the costs are cheaper than most major US and Western European cities. In 2012 Barcelona was rated as 12% cheaper than the index (New York City), roughly equivalent to Hong Kong, Baltimore, Maryland (USA), and Nuremberg, Germany. Here are the average prices in Barcelona (USD), courtesy of Numbeo:
- Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre: $904.86
- Basic (Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment: $181.47
- Monthly Transportation Pass (Regular Price): $64.63
- Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course: $64.63
- Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro): $5.82
Health and Safety in Barcelona:
Barcelona is a very safe city overall. Its crime index rating is on par with cities such as Copenhagen, Denmark; Bangkok, Thailand; and Chicago, Illinois (USA). Spain tends to have a low level of violent crime, but has its share of pickpockets and thieves. In Barcelona one must take care in the known tourist areas like Las Ramblas to guard against petty crime. It's always best to keep as little cash as possible and keep your belongings close, rather than use a purse or bookbag. Thieves are known to use scams such as having street performers entertain tourists while robbers pick the pockets of those who are watching. As long as you are careful and pay attention to your surroundings, you should not have problems.
Why Take a Gap Year in Barcelona?
Almost all who visit Barcelona come back wishing they could live there - as such it's a great destination to spend a gap year. Not only are you in a beautiful and vibrant city, but you are also in one of the most historically important diverse cities in Europe. Simply put, Barcelona is a great destination for gap year travelers!
Contributed by Baxter Denney
Baxter Denney is co-owner and editor of TwoTraveling.com, a travel website that offers advice and vacation planning for couples, partners and friends. He has lived in Spain and traveled extensively throughout the Iberian peninsula. When he is not exploring new places with his fiance, Sarah, he makes his home in San Francisco, California.
Do you think there is something missing in our guide to a gap year in Barcelona? Contact us and let us know! We want to make sure our information is relevant and up to date.
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