Barcelona Study Abroad Experience (SAE)

Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, but I wasn’t sure it would ever be financially possible—until I found the Barcelona SAE HBCU scholarship program. Not only did they offer me the HBCU Todos scholarship and automatic grants, but they also allowed me to use my financial aid to cover the remaining costs. Because of that support, I was able to study in Barcelona at zero out-of-pocket cost. That alone was such a blessing.

As a Black woman, I was nervous about how I might be perceived abroad. While I did experience moments of being stared at, for the most part, I felt safe—even walking alone at night. That sense of safety helped me enjoy and explore the city more freely and confidently.

To any students considering this program, especially those planning to take Elementary Spanish while abroad: take some time beforehand to study the basics—like conjugations, common verbs, colors, food, and clothing vocabulary. The entire course is taught in Spanish, and that was a challenge for me at first. But even through the hard moments, the Barcelona SAE staff and mentors truly had my back. They were always available, encouraging, and ready to help whenever I needed anything.

This program changed my life, opened my eyes to new cultures, and gave me the confidence to push through difficulties and grow. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity and recommend it to any HBCU student dreaming of going abroad.

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.)

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)

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.

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.