My three-week Maymester in Barcelona was a great balance of academics, exploring the city, and having the support I needed as a first-time study abroad student. From the first day, the CEA CAPA staff made the transition much easier. We had an orientation where they shared helpful apps, food recommendations, transportation tips, safety information, and even gave us a basic Spanish lesson. We also took a walking tour of one of Barcelona’s neighborhoods, which was a nice introduction to the city before we started exploring on our own.
The housing was another highlight. Our apartment was in an incredibly convenient location, and we could actually see the Sagrada Família from outside. The apartment already had the basic amenities we needed, so we mainly had to worry about groceries, food, and transportation. My class was also only about a 30-minute walk or 15-minute bus ride away, which made getting there really easy. I also really appreciated the airport pickup when I first arrived. Traveling abroad for the first time can already be overwhelming, so having transportation arranged and knowing where to go immediately after landing took away a lot of that initial stress.
Overall, the three-week format was perfect for a Maymester. It was long enough to become comfortable in Barcelona and experience the city, while still fitting easily into my summer.
What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Barcelona is a really diverse and accessible city, so take advantage of how much there is to explore. You can get by with English in many places, but Catalan is the main local language, so learning a few basic Catalan phrases is a nice way to show respect and connect with locals.
Definitely be aware of pickpocketing, especially on the metro, buses, and in crowded tourist areas like La Rambla. Try not to make yourself an obvious target, keep track of your belongings, and stay aware of your surroundings.
Google Maps was my best friend for getting around, and Barcelona’s public transportation system is very reliable. With a good T-card, you can reach most places you would want to visit. I would also recommend exploring beyond the major tourist attractions. Neighborhoods like El Born and Gràcia are worth spending time in, and places outside Barcelona like Montserrat and Girona are close enough for an easy day trip. Some of my favorite experiences came from exploring beyond the places I had originally planned to visit.
Pros
- Convenient housing & transportation
- Supportive on-site staff
- Organized cultural excursions
What other participants should know
- Pickpocketing concerns
- Crowded tourist areas