ISA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

I had never been out of the country and here I was about to do it for the first time on my own. Not going would have been the biggest regret of my life. I did this program on my own in order to step out of my comfort zone and it was the best decision I have made. The friends that I made are still my best friends to this day. ISA helped me fall in love with Barcelona. The city is beautiful, lively, kind and there is never a dull moment. The University staff truly cares for you. I wish I was there.

Studying in Barcelona was one of the best experiences of my life. I have nothing but good things to say about it. The class structure took some time to get used to because they were different than the US but it was fairly easy to learn the ways they wanted the classrooms to run. I got to meet people from all around the world and even connect with people I would be able to meet up with in the states. I loved getting to learn about the world from a European point of view instead of the United States views.

My summer study abroad experience in Barcelona was truly unforgettable! It was a transformative opportunity that expanded my academic horizons, deepened my cultural understanding, and fueled a lifelong passion for travel! Barcelona's central location allowed us to easily travel to lots of different destinations, adding even more depth to the experience. An amazing aspect of this program was the opportunity to connect with new people. Choosing to live in an apartment with girls also in the program was one of the best decisions. It truly felt like we were immersed into the energy of the city and became part of Barcelona. I absolutely recommend studying abroad through ISA, you will not regret it!

I highly recommend this trip. I think everything went as well as things could possibly go. My professor was funny, helpful, and very knowledgeable. I learned a lot in my class. It was challenging but not too hard. I felt completely safe in Barcelona. I was able to work out at a gym, go to the movies, go grocery shopping, and pretty much live my life how I do back in the United States. However, I was also able to see all of the museums, the sites, and get a good slice of Spanish culture. I had taken 3 semesters of Spanish which helped me greatly get around the city. This was my first time out of the country and the ISA staff gave me the best possible experience I could have hoped for.

I spent 4 months in Barcelona, Spain during the spring 2023 semester and it was an amazing experience! The city is beautiful and the people are so kind and welcoming. I was able to learn so much about the culture and broaden my Spanish speaking abilities which was a definite bonus. The programming through ISA provided me with great resources to resolve any issues (no matter the size) as well as some great excursions to other parts of Spain. I also loved being so close to such a large airport so that weekend traveling throughout the semester was as easy as possible. I loved my semester in Barcelona with ISA and would recommend it to anyone!

Studying abroad has been one of the best experiences I could have ever imagined being a part of. When deciding to study in Barcelona I had no idea how fun and eye opening the experience was going to be. From the lifestyle to culture and atmosphere of Barcelona I couldn't have asked for a better place to live for four months. ISA was able to provide me with the best support and guidance before, during and even after my time abroad. During the application process ISA was there to help with any question or concern I had as well as during, as the office was right down the street from my residency. ISA even provided us with excursions and put together a soccer league which brought together so many students.

My semester abroad in Barcelona at UPF was arguably the best semester of my undergraduate experience. The pre-departure organization and communication was great with lots of individualized help and attention. It was really easy to schedule meetings and get in contact with Anna since I had many questions and logistical problems prior to departing.
The course offerings weren't too flexible and once you register for your classes you cannot switch them either. I tried to drop a class I found out was no longer necessary and I was not allowed to after the first day of the program. I also didn't get my top 3 course choices. So please be flexible and be prepared to not get your first choice class. Do lots of prior research to find the most flexible program with the best classes for your major.

The things I learned and experiences and opportunities I had made up for any sort of complication or struggle I had. I learned so much more in my semester abroad than I ever would in a classroom.

I highly recommend this program to everyone!

So this is my second trip with ISA. 2 years ago, I went to Costa Rica with them. During my first trip with them, I didn't get my schedule or class times or excursion dates until a few days after we arrived in Costa Rica, making it hard to plan outside activities. We also didn't have a set time to be picked up from our flight, and details weren't sent out until about 3-4 weeks BEFORE classes started, leaving little to no time to book an affordable plane ticket. I asked about these issues I experienced the first time, and was told that any issues would be hammered out after a bit. 2 years later, I am running into the exact same problem. I am spending 14,000 dollars for 3 MONTHS in Spain, and ISA has been unable to provide me with when my Spanish class will be held, again, making it extremely hard to plan outside excursions. We were also scheduled to take a trip to Morocco, and that was something I was really excited about. It was only until I called the actual ISA office that I found there was not enough time to embark on that trip, and they were "planning on telling us" in about a week, aka about a month from the time we are expected to land in Spain. My program in Costa Rica was awesome, and I'm sure I will enjoy Barcelona, but if scheduling issues are a deal breaker for you, definitely don't enroll in this program. It's also extremely expensive, as my short 3 month semester costs just as much as a 6 month program in the same region.