Barcelona Study Abroad Experience (SAE)

Program Reviews

Default avatar
Cynthia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

You must choose BSAE if you are considering studying abroad in Barcelona!

I do not have enough positive things to say about the BSAE team and the experience I had as a student during the Spring 2024 semester. I took 3 classes at SIS (the School for International Studies) and an internship. The professors at SIS are extremely qualified and experienced in their field, and the classes are small and are enriched with different field studies and assignments. I am for sure going to miss my professors. The internship team is amazing, and they work hard to make sure students get the best experience possible.
I also lived in a homestay, and I loved it, I could not imagine my Barcelona experience without my host family. I feel like my host mom is my soulmate, we have so much in common! The amount of personalized support you get from BSAE is unmatched, I just can not imagine studying abroad with another provider that is not BSAE. If you are seeking a true barce-local experience, you MUST consider BSAE. The amount of support they provide to students such as the Barcelona Bucket list, the weekly newsletter, chances to meet staff members for coffee, and even small details such as providing snacks during midterms and finals, shows just how much they care for students. I am so glad I studied abroad with BSAE, I would not have done it any other way.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Embrace this experience! Try not to put too much pressure on yourself or the amount of things you should do and see, instead just try to savor every moment. Also, I encourage you to walk as much as you can so that you can get to know the lovely city of Barcelona!
Pros
  • The amazing staff and their support!!
  • the optional activities you can sign up to do!
Default avatar
Lilit
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

SAE Barcelona Rocks! My Epic Study Abroad Adventure

My experience with the SAE Barcelona study abroad program was nothing short of amazing. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm that set the tone for the entire journey.

The classes at SAE Barcelona were not only informative but also incredibly engaging. The professors were experts in their fields, and their passion for teaching was evident in every lecture. Whether we were diving into the intricacies of sound engineering or exploring the world of digital filmmaking, I always felt supported and encouraged to push myself to new heights.

As for my accommodation at Londres 35, it exceeded my expectations in every way. The apartment was cozy and well-equipped, providing a comfortable retreat after busy days of classes and exploration. Its central location made it easy to explore all that Barcelona has to offer, from its historic landmarks to its vibrant neighborhoods.

Speaking of Barcelona, what a city! There was never a shortage of things to see and do. From admiring Gaudí's masterpieces to indulging in delicious tapas at local eateries, every day brought new adventures and discoveries. And let's not forget about the people - the locals were friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home from the very beginning.

But perhaps the most memorable aspect of my experience was the sense of community fostered by SAE Barcelona. Whether it was collaborating on projects with classmates or attending events organized by the program, I formed bonds that will last a lifetime. It's incredible how a shared passion for creativity can bring people together from all corners of the globe.

I would say that I really came away with not only new skills and knowledge but also cherished memories and lifelong friendships. If you're considering studying abroad, I can't recommend SAE Barcelona highly enough. It's an experience you won't soon forget.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I were to go back, there are a few things I would do differently. First, I would make a conscious effort to connect more with the locals. While I met some incredible people through the program, I realize now that forming relationships with those who call Barcelona home would have enriched my experience even further.

Additionally, I would definitely spend more time soaking in the beauty of Barcelona, especially during sunset. There's something magical about watching the city come alive with golden hues, and I regret not taking advantage of those moments more often.

Lastly, I would make it a priority to explore more of what Barcelona has to offer. While I tried to see as much as I could during my time there, there's always more to discover in this vibrant city. From hidden gems tucked away in its winding streets to iconic landmarks begging to be explored, I would seize every opportunity to immerse myself in the culture and energy of Barcelona.
Default avatar
Giovanna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience with SAE - June 2023

I have done a study abroad program with SAE during June 2023. The program was organized in partnership with my university, USF (University of South Florida). I took a class taught by my university professor and also an internship that was organized by SAE. Besides that, SAE also organized some activities for us, such as a day trip to Sitges, a visit to Estrela Damm, and a flamenco concert at Palau de Musica. During my month at Spain, I stayed at a homestay organized by SAE. My host mom was Maribel and she is one of the best cooks I've ever met!

Overall, I loved my experience! Barcelona is one of the most beautiful and fun cities I've ever been to and I would honestly live here one day. The city is great in transport, weather, food, night life, parks, stores, whatever you want!

SAE has always been by my side during this process, and I could notice how much the staff cared about my experience. Even though the program wasn't perfect, SAE staff were always so nice and caring to me that nothing made my experience less enjoyable! I would definitely recommend this study abroad program - I specifically came here to study advertising but I am sure any field of study would find its place in Barcelona!

Pros
  • Customized program with fun and engaging activities that are chosen based on what you want to achieve
  • They have contact with amazing homestays that will keep you in contact with the culture
  • Friendly and caring staff that will make your experience more enjoyable
Cons
  • It is not exactly a con, but I feel like there is still job to be done towards the internships. Some friends of mine had trouble with theirs and I personally didn't like that my internship was remote and that I had little to no contact with my supervisor.
Default avatar
Mariana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

UPF + SIS SPRING SEMESTER PROGRAM

Studying in Barcelona had always been a dream of mine since I was in high school, and Barcelona SAE not only helped me make it come true but it also did it exceeding any expectations I had about it. During my time abroad I was surrounded by a caring and welcoming staff always willing to help make the experience the best one possible, I was paired with the sweetest host mom who made me feel at home all the time, introduced me to local recipes and traditions, and helped me learned more about the city as a local. The almost weekly activities and day trips were one of my favorite parts of the program since they gave us the chance to experience local traditions that otherwise we would have most likely not had the chance to.
In addition, we were offered the opportunity to visit Morocco through a program partnership and it was my favorite weekend trip out of Spain.
If you are looking to get to experience Barcelona as a local during your time abroad, Barcelona SAE is definitely your best option to do so.

Default avatar
Edra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable experience!

My experience with Barcelona SAE during the fall 2022 semester was amazing. Between the awesome activities and the interesting classes I took at UAB, I had one of the most unique experiences of my life. Choosing classes was easy and pretty straightforward, so that eliminated a lot of stress. Meanwhile, the Barcelona SAE staff was always very helpful and a great resource that improved my stay in Barcelona. As I explored the wonderful city, the cultural agendas carefully crafted for each week made me feel like I got the chance to dive deeper into the magic of BCN and experience the city like a local. I attended local festivals and tried local Catalan traditions such as Castellaers, which enriched my stay and understanding of the culture.
The housing I was placed in was in a nice neighborhood, and I felt comfortable walking around at all times. I lived in a student hotel in Poble Sec. The neighborhood was lively because of all the nearby restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, and the metro stops were within a 5 min distance, making transportation easy and comfortable.
I stayed in Barcelona for four months, and of course, there were ups and downs, but overall I am very satisfied because I met a lot of amazing people, and I was part of a program that ensured we got the most out of the city and felt at home away from home. I would recommend this program!

Pros
  • support
  • activities
  • friends
Cons
  • not a lot of overnight trips
  • not a lot of time slots offered for the same activity
Default avatar
Shelby
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Barcelona SAE 8 Week Program

I stayed in a home stay for the 8 week program for the months of June and July. The staff at Barcelona SAE made me feel extremely supported, and I knew I could contact them if I ever had any issues. They did an amazing job at making me feel welcome, comfortable, and safe during my time in Barcelona. The staff genuinely cares about the students wellbeing and provided many opportunities for me to learn more about Barcelona and explore the city. I had an amazing time, and met a lot of great people.

Pros
  • Many opportunities to explore
  • Amazing staff
  • Meet lots of new people
Default avatar
Ashley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Internship During the Summer of 2022

I enjoyed my experience very much in Barcelona through BSAE. It was a great opportunity for me to grow as an individual and to be independent in a new city! Barcelona has so much to do, I visited so many attractions but still could have gone to more after I had to leave. The weather is sunny and hot, but it is great. I would also recommend Barcelona if you are into night life. Bars and clubs stay open very late so there is always something to do, and there are so many diverse restaurants around every corner!

Pros
  • Lots of activities
  • Good food everywhere
  • Beautiful mountains and beach
Cons
  • Takes a little while to travel places (walking or public transportation)
  • Kind of dirty
Default avatar
Joshua
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Barcelona SAE: SIS + Internship

Overall, the experience of completing the SIS + Internship through Barcelona SAE was great. The staff was friendly, helpful, and supportive. The placements were very well organized and matched me very well. I found the classes to be interesting and fun. The professors were all nice, as were my internship mentors.

The program did an excellent job of orienting me in the city of Barcelona. The tours, cooking classes, and other activities were all incredibly interesting, showed a diverse range of barrios in Barcelona, and were great ways to meet new friends.

Pros
  • Amazing city
  • Great staff
  • Easy placement
Cons
  • Classes not as rigorous
  • No centralized class management system (e.g. Canvas)
Default avatar
Maria Jovita
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The BEST Program

This program has been an incredible experience. They made me feel comfortable when I first arrived and helped me create a sense of independence in the process. They set me up with the most amazing homestay which helped me improve my Spanish as well as connect with a local. The excursions especially were out of this world; not only did they take us around Barcelona but they helped us explore around Spain to Costa Brava and Tarragona. I recommend this program to any student with a love for traveling!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
They had a large array of snail dishes if you go to the right place and boy were they delicious. Just make sure you get them fresh and they sort of taste like a hard clam haha.
Default avatar
Jordan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer Internship

This was an absolute amazing opportunity, where I was able to learn an abundance of different things that I can now incorporate into my future jobs. Everything was very easy to use and the website was a breeze to navigate through making the whole experience very user friendly. Everyone made sure that I was doing great and they were always asking If I had any questions or if I needed anything at all. Even when something was needed and it was not very important there was always someone to reach back out to you in a hurry making it very easy to communicate.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve racking moment was my very first day on my internship because I did not know who I was talking too and I knew very little about the company. I overcame this by making sure that I kept on telling myself I got this and I will do great.