Program Reviews

It took a bit of time for my friends, and I to become accustom to life in another country. The first few weeks were tough due to the life style change. Don’t let this comment deter you from experiencing life in another country. It’s helped me to come a more cultured, and well-rounded individual— not to mention employers like to see this sort of experience on a resume. It shows that you have the ability to adapt to diversity which is a very attractive quality.

We often travelled on the weekends. We would pack light, and use low cost airlines like EasyJet, or Ryanair. Flying allowed us to have the maximum amount of time to enjoy our trips to other countries. Trains are nice, but they don’t take you from point A to point B in enough time to experience your destination before work the following Monday.

Overall, this program was great. The housing location was ideal, and there were company representatives on call for emergencies, to answer simple questions, or to give advice. I highly recommend this program for any college student that wants to experience life in another country.

Blaugrana al vent
un crit valent
tenim un nom el sap tothom:
Barça, Barça, Baaarça!

I spent summer 2016 in Barcelona with Barcelona SAE. I was 1 of 2 students whom stayed for the full 8 week program. I was placed in a homestay with 3 crazy boys and an AMAZING house Mom Nani! I would do the program all over again a just to have Nani as my mom!! My roommates were like brothers. We went to eat brunch on the weekends and took a trip to France for a couple days. My classmates became close friends! We spent our afternoons exploring the city, snacking (of course), and somehow still finishing homework! I loved being able to walk to/from school and take in all the amazing architecture and hustle and bustle of the city. Coming from a small farming town I was nervous about being in another country and HUGE city for so long. But I came to absolutely love Barcelona and the program! Through my classes and the program I have almost completed my Spanish minor in hopes of teaching Spanish some day. My love for traveling grew and last summer I taught in the Bahamas! I will never forget the cionnection I made to Barcelona, the Spanish language and culture, and friends!!

Studying abroad in Barcelona was the best decision I’ve made in my college career. It was such an incredible experience and I have learned things that I never would have imagined happening. Even though it was a great experience, there were definitely up and downs. I was difficult to adjust at first and get used to the classes and culture but by the end of my time abroad I had fallen in love with the Spanish culture and implement parts of it back into my life back in the states.

When I went to Barcelona I didn’t know no Spanish and I was real shy. After spending 3 months overseas in Barcelona I evolved as a person both mentally and spiritually. Even though, the program was dealing with school and taking classes the program made it so the whole city was our classroom. We had numerous field trips to different places around Barcelona, Spain. We went to museums , different businesses, etc. the staff was so helpful with helping us find different resources and traditioning into the culture of Barcelona. We had the chance to even go to Africa through the program. I believe the most helpful thing to be aware of is money spending and having food. If you stay in a home stay your home stay mom makes the meals but if you’re in a apartment you have to make your own food. We went all around Spain on different trips it was truly amazing. The impacted my life after the program by making me more talkative and helping with jumping out my comfort zone. I loved being in Barcelona and being able to travel to different places. I would give anything to go back overseas. My favorite memory is when I went to Amsterdam and ended up getting lost. It was the best experience because I used my resources and asked for help and was able to find my way to the hostel. I believe everyone should have the chance to study abroad and see the world.

I studied abroad with Barcelona SAE during my sophomore year at Colorado State University. I was a double major in business and Spanish looking for a way to incorporate both aspects of my studies in my study abroad experience. After discussing what I was looking for with one of their reps, it was an easy choice to study with Barcelona SAE. What I loved the most about BSAE was how honed in they were regarding personalizing my time abroad. They offered cultural activities such as cooking classes, both national and international excursions as well as assistance with enrolling in classes, airport pickup and homestay accommodations. Any fears that I had about studying and living abroad were quickly alleviated by the staff and their willingness to work with their students to ensure their continued happiness and level of comfort.
I don’t have a favorite single moment of my time abroad, because the entire experience was honestly a dream in and of itself. Everyday I would work on my Spanish language skills both in classes and through simply living and studying in a foreign city. My host mom, who was already impressed with my knowledge of Spanish when I arrived, moved me when she commented on how much my speaking abilities had improved in my short, four months abroad. I also took classes related to both of my majors with emphasis on the cultural and linguistic aspects of conducting business in a city such as Barcelona. I made friends from both around the US and Spain whose friendship I will forever cherish.
My time in Barcelona has convinced me that Spain will always have a part of my heart, and I’m sure it will pull me back. I’ve already returned to Barcelona and actually interned with Barcelona Study Abroad Experience (another incredible opportunity), but there is no doubt in my mind that I’ll return to Barcelona again (hopefully permanently next time!).

Not only did I pick up a little spanish on my trip as intended - but I had a blast the entire time. Everything you’ve heard about Barcelona is true - I highly recommend you go for yourself. Great cuisine, beaches, architecture... a hip young scene.

The people running the program were very chill and accommodating. They incorporated cultural experiences like learning how to make paella and trips to local Roman ruins into the trip. I made quick friends with many of the people in the program and I think I can speak for all of us in vouching for it.

Upon coming to Barcelona, I thought it would be a whole different world of weird tales every day. Barcelona SAE made my program feel like home. My favorite element is that it wasn't a program through my university meaning I got to meet so many different people from different schools. This program was pretty inclusive especially with all the counselors, teachers, staff, and weekend trips. It made Barcelona feel like a second home.

This program was a little different from the traditional study abroad experience because you get to visit and stay in 2 countries! The program provides housing, transportation from Barcelona to Rome and plenty of fun activities to attend while in the country. In Barcelona I stayed with a host mom who cooked, cleaned and did our laundry for us. When I arrived in Rome I had a gorgeous apartment with about 5 other girls in one of the main areas in Rome close to the school, restaurants, the market and public transportation. The staff while abroad was extremely helpful and was constantly sharing tips and tricks for getting around the cities. I decided to do this program pretty last minute last summer and it was the best decision of my life. I gained so much independence, confidence and learned a lot about other cultures.

This was one of the most memorable adventures I have ever experienced. The program was on the smaller side, roughly 12-15 students, which meant the trips, tours, and dining through the program was intimate and geared toward everyone's tastes. They didn't constantly provide programming, which was great because for the most part we were able to choose our own day-to-day and weekend trips. They provided the pre-planned portion of the schedule in advance so it was easy to decide when we would be travelling solo. The events they did include were tours of the Gothic part of the city, several museum passes, the first few days they made sure to schedule activities so the attendees could get grounded without being overwhelmed by a new city and get to make friends with the other students. They provided us with tips, tricks, and safety advice. About mid-trip (week 3 out of 6 weeks) we took a 3-day weekend tour to 4 cities, with a two-night stay in Costa Brava. It was amazingly beautiful, and not an overly tourist driven city - which was SO cool. The program really encouraged you to not be the average american study abroad participant, they wanted you to experience Barcelona more organically. My friends and I enjoyed the housing they found for us, which was a private 3 bedroom apartment in a residential barrio. This program was one of many that sent students to the larger university, so even if you're looking for a larger program you can still get that vibe when you go to class. The program also schedule cultural events at least once a week (flamenco dancing, tapas dinners out, watching soccer games at the local bars) which was awesome. Seriously, I cannot recommend this program enough!!

TLDR: definitely book through Barcelona SAE. They are AWESOME.

This study abroad opportunity was absolutely amazing. SAE will ensure your safety and coordination with your housing situation and classes as well as excursions around the country. Barcelona is an amazing city particularly for young active students looking to make the most of their time abroad. From a rich historical culture to exiting nightlife and exquisite cuisine there is something in Barcelona for everyone. Do not miss this chance to visit Barcelona with this amazing program, you will make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.