Jesse’s review

Studying abroad in Barcelona through the SSA program was easily one of the best experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, the city had an energy that’s hard to describe—perfect mix of beach, culture, nightlife, and history. Living in a place like Barcelona gave me the chance to step outside my comfort zone and experience a completely different way of life.

Academically, the program was a great balance. Classes were engaging without being overwhelming, which allowed me to really take advantage of everything outside the classroom. I wasn’t just learning from textbooks—I was learning from the city itself, whether that was exploring places like La Sagrada Família, walking through local neighborhoods, or observing the differences between tourists and locals.

What really made the experience stand out was the independence. Navigating a new country, traveling on weekends, and managing day-to-day life abroad helped me grow a lot personally. I became more confident, more adaptable, and way more open to new experiences. Traveling to different countries throughout Europe was also unreal—it made the whole experience feel even bigger than just one city.

Socially, it was just as impactful. I met people from all different backgrounds, built strong friendships, and created memories I’ll genuinely never forget—from beach days to nights out to random exploring.

Overall, I’d 100% recommend the SSA Barcelona study abroad program to anyone considering it. It’s the perfect mix of academics, travel, and real-life experience. It pushes you to grow while also giving you some of the best moments you’ll ever have.