Barcelona Study Abroad Experience (SAE)

Why choose Barcelona Study Abroad Experience (SAE)?

Barcelona SAE is a boutique study abroad and internship program that provides personalized attention and focuses on this beautiful Mediterranean city that we call home. Ask any of our alumni and you’ll learn about their unforgettable academic, cultural, and professional experience – one that was beneficial not only during their time in Barcelona, but has given them a personal and professional advantage for the rest of their lives.

Year after year, Barcelona SAE students rate “interaction with the staff” as one of the highlights of their Barcelona experience. Our staff is multilingual and composed of Spanish, Catalan, and American study abroad experts. Our passion for international education, our commitment to individualized service to our students, and our expertise in Barcelona facilitates the strongest combination of cultural, academic, and professional experiences for our students.

Website

www.barcelonasae.com

Founded

2009

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Scholarships

Barcelona Study Abroad Merit & Leadership Scholarship

The Barcelona SAE scholarship awards one scholarship per semester of study, one scholarship per internship, and two scholarships per summer programs to those who have achieved academic excellence, demonstrated community involvement and require extra financial aid. If awarded the funding, they’ll participate in a Barcelona SAE semester, quarter, or summer program, or an internship program of at least four weeks in length.

Value

$250 - $750

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Reviews

1️⃣ Break out of your bubble—use Meetup! I joined language exchanges and food tours through the app, connecting with folks from Spain, Brazil, Japan… you name it. It’s not just about Barcelona; it’s a global vibe. You’ll learn slang, hidden spots, and maybe even salsa steps!
2️⃣ Turn “abroad” into a launchpad. I applied for a school library grant to research second-gen Chinese Spaniards’ identity here. Interviewing families, diving into Chinatown’s history—it wasn’t just “academic.” It clicked for me: Chinese-Spanish culture is Catalan culture. Their stories are part of Barcelona’s heartbeat.
3️⃣ Skip shipping from home—trust Barcelona (and the planet!). Unless it’s urgent, don’t haul stuff overseas. Shipping costs a fortune, cranks up your carbon footprint, and honestly? The diaspora here (like the Chinese-Spanish community) has everything. Needing toothpaste? Hit a farmacia. Craving chili oil? Check out shops in El Raval. Hunting for substitutes led me to quirky local tiendas—think olive soap, recycled notebooks, or paprika-spiced chocolate. Bonus: you’ll learn the Catalan word for “aisle”!

Living here taught me: Say “yes” to the weird onions, download that app, chase opportunities that scare you, and trust the local hustle. You’ll taste, learn, and belong in ways you never expected. 🥳 (And yes, always lick the romesco sauce off your fingers… and save the shipping boxes for souvenirs.)

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

The most unexpectedly different thing I ate in Barcelona was calçots! Back home, we only use them as a seasoning—tiny and pungent—but here, they’re the star of the plate. I couldn’t believe these giant, sweet green onions had their own festival (Calçotada!) where people gather to grill and devour them by the dozen.

I was amazed by how they’re cooked: charred over fire, peeled by hand (messy but fun!), and dipped in this incredible romesco sauce—creamy, smoky, and nutty. I thought they’d taste sharp like regular onions, but no—they were mild, almost sweet, and super juicy. It felt like a mix of a veggie and a ritual, with everyone laughing, sauce dripping everywhere. Totally changed how I see "onions"! Who knew a food I’d ignored back home could become a favorite abroad? 😂

Pros

break out your comfort zone
build new connections worldwide
learn a new way of living

Cons

loneliness sometimes
confined in cultural bubble
pickpocket

There were so many people involved to make this experience great and I really appreciate everyone who helped me along the way! The city offered endless cultural experiences from tapas to the Castellers . Courses like Intercultural Communications deepened my global perspective. Living in such an active environment taught me independence, adaptability, and the joy of slowing down to embrace life’s moments. The friendships I built and the rich Catalan culture made this experience unforgettable, Barcelona truly has something for everyone! (Especially if you're in to any form of art)

What was your funniest moment?

One of my classes was "The seven wonders of Spain" and we did a exercise where we all had to be in the middle of the class standing on inflated wine bags saying poetry about our time here in Spain. It was one of the strangest but amusing classes I've ever had

Pros

Something new everyday
Classes had an appropriate workload and I still had a lot of free time
Felt very safe

Cons

Can be quite overwhelming
Missing the familiar
Theft

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!

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.

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.

5.00 •1 review

The Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies constitutes the...

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose Barcelona SAE for a few reasons. The first is that I have always wanted to study abroad in Spain, particularly Barcelona. From all the pictures, videos, and stories of the city, it was definitely on my bucket list to go there.

I decided on this program specifically for the variety of courses they offered and for all of the weekend and day trips included in the cost of the program. They were awesome about connecting me to other students and arranging fun activities outside of classes.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I was very impressed with all of the activities and educational opportunities included in my program. From the moment I arrived at the airport I was greeted by the friendly staff and was provided with transportation to my homestay. My homestay mom was absolutely amazing and was so generous with her home--not to mention she was a great cook (which is always an added bonus).

I took the city metro to and from class each day, which was very easy for me since my home was only a five-minute walk from the nearest metro station. Every weekend there was something fun to do. On the first weekend, the program arranged a day trip to Callella, with food, transportation, and a guide provided. We took a beautiful hike and then took a dip in the ocean at the end. They also arranged a cultural orientation in the first week for us to learn more about Spain and what to expect in our time there.

By the end of the first week, I had already made a bunch of new friends and we started planning a getaway to other parts of Spain. The following weekend we went to Seville and Granada and had an amazing time getting to know more about the country and each other.

On our last weekend in Barcelona, the program arranged a trip to Tarragona. The hotel was very nice and completely included in the cost of the program, along with transportation and several meals. We had the freedom to explore the city and go wherever we wanted while there. I remember the final weekend as being so bittersweet--an awesome time in another beautiful part of Spain, but sad knowing that it was our last weekend together.

Overall, the program really took care of its students. I felt that there were always opportunities for me to have fun, learn, and grow.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

As cliché as it may sound, keep an open mind--the entire time.

Going to Barcelona, I had heard this before and knew I would do it, but there are times when you will be tested. When something doesn't go quite as planned, or you can't communicate with your family because they don't understand you, or a handful of other circumstances come across, it's all about your perspective. Think about your goals and what you want to get out of your experience--keep this in mind the entire time--and consciously make decisions in alignment with your goals so that by the time you pack up your bags to go home, you can feel good about what you put into your study abroad experience.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

The great thing about study abroad is that no day is ever exactly the same. But for some people, this lack of familiarity can be hard--I know it was for me at times.

Every day after class I would explore a new café with a new friend. Or go to the Tibidabo amusement park and get a view of the entire city. Weekends were always long and a great opportunity to travel or get to know the city like a local.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Probably my biggest fear going into study abroad was the fact that I went all by myself.

It was my first time going overseas, so I would have no one to rely on but myself (so I thought). Although this was true, I made so many new friends and developed such a strong bond with my host mom and others that I met while there. Had I gone with people I knew, I wouldn't have pushed myself to be so outgoing, brave, and independent.

Study abroad really taught me the value of being open to new experiences and new people.

In what ways do you remember your study abroad experience, so as not to forget it?

The great thing about study abroad is that, because it was so immersive, it really changed my perspective and sense of confidence in myself and my abilities. This is something I will always carry with me, no matter where I go.

I also do my best to keep in contact with the people I met there. I have all my friends on Snapchat and Whatsapp, and we try to keep our group chats going with updates on ourselves and everyday lives. I also keep in touch with my host mom--we send pictures to each other back and forth. Google Translate has also been my friend, haha.

I try to keep pictures of my study abroad experience around my apartment and on my phone. They are constant reminders to me of my friends across the world and summer that I'll never forget.

Lauren Landino

2017 Alum

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Sol was born in Argentina and she started working with international students in 2007 in Buenos Aires and then moved to London. After London, she moved to Barcelona where she now lives and works. Sol has taken many photography classes, ESL classes, and humanities classes and continues to add to her education.

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite memory was in Tokyo because it was unexpected and one of the most different cultures I have seen. It was helpful to have friends there to show me the traditions. Some cultural differences I discovered was that even though it was a fast-paced society, people were very hospitable and willing to help even if they didn't speak your language.

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How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have learned how to work more closely with procedures and protocols to improve processes behind the scenes for students. I have also gotten to work closely with advisors to improve our pre-departure assistance that will prepare the student more for when they are onsite. Even though I am working on processes it has been rewarding to continue to work face to face with students.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I met a student while working in Argentina and after he finished a year-long program went for a working experience in Qatar and then he decided to come back to Argentina where he met a local and fell in love with her and the international education industry. Now he works with some of my former colleagues and we are still in touch.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would pick a customized internship because I have enjoyed working in Barcelona. With this program, you are learning and also practicing what you learn right away. It prepares you for working in a multicultural workplace which is important for me and all placements are customized to your interests which allows us to work with very cool and diverse companies.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Barcelona SAE is unique because we are growing, but we still have the student experience as a top priority. We encourage the students to do local things while they are here and teach them about cultural traditions. They don't just visit tourists spots but also learn about things like traditional dances and customs.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The key to success is to ensure a clear structure and the procedures that are explicit and easy to follow. This helps us to give the students the best experience because we can provide smooth transitions and accessible resources. This does not guarantee everything will go as expected but we can be prepared for the unexpected things.

Alba Guillen Baleta

Cultural Activities Coordinoter

Michele Friedmann

Former Intern

Website

Founded

Connect with us

Barcelona Study Abroad Merit & Leadership Scholarship

Alumni Interviews

Lauren Giese

Why did you choose this program?

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

In what ways do you remember your study abroad experience, so as not to forget it?

Staff Interviews

Sol Alonso

What is your favorite travel memory?

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?