Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

Location
  • Spain
    • Barcelona
Term
Fall, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Accounting Art History Arts Business Communications Computer Science Economics Education European Studies Finance Hospitality International Business International Relations Latin American Studies Liberal Arts Marketing Social Sciences Tourism +8
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Housing
Apartment Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Starting Price
5000
Price Details
• Comprehensive Advising and Support
• Tuition at the Host University
• Official Transcript from Host University with ISA by WS Cover Letter
• Housing
• Meals and Laundry Services
• Bridging Cultures Program
• Full-Time Resident Staff
• On-Site ISA Offices
• Computer and Internet Access
• Excursions
• The ISA Discovery Model
• Cultural Activities
• Medical Insurance
• Comprehensive Health, Safety and Security Support
• Airport Reception
• Visa Support
• Tutoring
• The Professional Development Toolbox
• Scholarship Opportunities
Aug 24, 2025
Aug 04, 2025
43 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

The unique blend of history, art, culture, and language make Barcelona a fascinating place where you’ll never run out of things to see or do.

Barcelona is the heart and capital of the region of Catalonia and is considered a bilingual city, since many people in the region speak both Spanish and Catalán. The unique blend of history, art, culture, and language make Barcelona a fascinating place where you’ll never run out of things to see or do. Barcelona is known for its eccentric creativity, cultural diversity, and endless amounts of energy. The architecture in Barcelona is stunning and unique, ranging from medieval castles to the modernist buildings of Antoni Gaudí.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

Students praise the program’s strong support, well-organized excursions, and immersive homestay or apartment options in vibrant Barcelona.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

Our team is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and staff. We have developed our Community and Impact Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations.
Our team is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and staff. We have developed our Community and Impact Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations.
WorldStrides is devoted to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of neurodivergence. Our Health & Safety team is available to answer questions about insurance and medication, as well as provide students with materials on overseas access to support.
We are dedicated to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of accessibility. With our wide portfolio of program types and locations we’re confident there is a suitable and accessible program for each student. Accommodations abroad can be complex and take time, so those with accessibility needs should inform WorldStrides of any accommodations requests as early as possible in the advising process.

Impact 🌎

We have partnered with Fill it Forward to engage team members and program participants in waste reduction practices. The goal is to encourage the elimination of single-use waste. Every QR code scan shows the impact of reusable bottles and unlocks a donation to environmental impact groups.
WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.

Program Highlights

  • In 1999, Barcelona became the only city to be awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for Architecture by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
  • Spain has the third largest number of UNESCO sites in the world and is known for its culinary art, architecture, and beautiful beaches.
  • Optional overnight excursion to Morocco
  • Take courses taught in English with local Spanish students as well as other international students.
  • Perfect for students majoring in Spanish or trying to finish a Spanish minor, but there are also several courses taught in English.

Popular Programs

barca

Spend a semester or summer studying international studies, business, and culture at the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, a top Spanish university located in one of Europe’s most dynamic and creative cities. Courses are available in English and Spanish and open to students of all language levels.

barcelona

Study Spanish language or take courses in English across Hispanic studies and international business at the Universidad de Barcelona, one of Spain’s most prestigious institutions located in the heart of Catalonia’s vibrant capital. Whether you're a beginner or advanced Spanish speaker, this program offers a well-rounded academic experience in one of Europe’s most culturally rich and globally connected cities.

barcelona

Take business and tourism courses alongside local and international students at CETT–Universidad de Barcelona, a global leader in tourism and hospitality education. Located in Barcelona, a city famous for its creativity, cuisine, and coastline, this program blends academic depth with real-world cultural exploration.

barca

Study design and visual arts at Elisava, Barcelona's School of Design & Engineering, featuring hands-on, creative coursework in English - perfect for students with or without prior design experience.

Program Reviews

4.91 Rating
based on 33 reviews
  • 5 rating 90.91%
  • 4 rating 9.09%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.15
  • Support 4.6
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.7
  • Safety 4.75
Showing 9 - 16 of 33 reviews
Isabella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Getting out of my Comfort Zone

Before I left for Spain I was a ball of nervous but excited energy. I found out I was the only student from my university participating in the program, and I had been placed in an apartment with 5 other girls! As a more introverted person, this made me extremely nervous. In reality, these girls and this experience would change my life. Barcelona is an amazing city. It has great food, and easy public transit as well as a great mix of history and fun. I learned so much about Catalonia and its rich history, and participated in a lot of independent travel. Barcelona gave me the best months of my life. I enjoyed exploring every inch of the city and cant wait to go back someday.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I tried arros negre or "black rice", a staple of Catalonia! It was similar to paella but the rice is turned black with fish ink! It is topped with seafood and is the perfect savory dish! I definitely recommend taking advantage of the seafood offerings in Barcelona!
Pros
  • Extremely walkable
  • Travel hub
  • Great food
Cons
  • Expensive
  • No Air Conditioner
  • No dryers
157 people found this review helpful.
Maryann
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best time of life!!

I decided to go abroad for a whole semester and didn’t really know a ton of people from my school going. Definitely was nervous and excited at first but ended up meeting so many friends and we still get together and go on trips! Barcelona is definitely the place to be, its beauty, nightlife, and culture is something everyone should experience. We also got to travel just about every weekend but loved our time in Barcelona so much! I wouldn’t be the person I am today with out experiencing a whole semester of learning, laughing and truly living. Best time of my life.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Might be silly but I wouldn’t pack as much!! The shopping is amazing and in most areas cheaper. So instead of worrying and overpacking things I don’t need, I’d bring a half empty suitcase and just wait to see what I really end up needing.

And explore more of Barcelona and go up the coast of Spain!!
Pros
  • Meeting new friends
  • Amazing night life
  • Ability to travel for long weekend trips!
Cons
  • Wish I knew more about the city in the early weeks but thats what exploring is for
  • Losing a phone and the difficulty of getting a new one
  • That it went by so fast :(
120 people found this review helpful.
Ethan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time in Barcelona

It was simply the best time of my life. Finally got the opportunity to visit so many places in Europe. I got to learn & expand my knowledge of spanish as well. Being able to travel relatively cheaply is awesome as well. The BCN airport is super easy to get to & always has flights to anywhere. The schooling was great as well. Most of the professors speak great english & are super useful for anything! The Barcelona metro system is great as well. It really can get you anywhere. The tourist attractions in Barcelona are second to none.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Make use of every minute of free time. Explore more.
Pros
  • Safety
  • Spanish
  • Transit
Cons
  • Dirty
  • Crowded
  • Expensive
127 people found this review helpful.
Dylan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Decision of My College Career

International Studies Abroad went over the top with my program. They felt like my far away-from-home family. The staff and the students were very supportive and friendly. Everyone was happy to be there and wanted to share whatever knowledge they had. Everything was planned out great and they were on top of everything. There isn't much at all I would recommend changing out the program. They were there for me and made sure I was having the best time I could be having. They were able to show us around the city and help get us settled in for our new life for the next 4 months.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I was on a weekend trip to a small town in Germany called Hannover. I went to this restaurant where they had Kebaps. Which is a popular dish in Europe. Except everything on the menu was in German. I didn't know what anything was. So I decided to order the thing that had the longest name. And I'm not sure what it was, but it was the best food I have ever eaten in my life. It was like some kind of chili in a bowl with bread as the base. I don't even know how to describe it haha.
Pros
  • Made sure I was always doing alright
  • Gave plenty of notice before any event we did
  • Went out of their way to immerse us into the culture as much as possible
Cons
  • I wish they told me my host mom only spoke spanish
  • I wish I was kinda taught how to navigate the city
122 people found this review helpful.
Gracie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

If you're thinking about... DO IT!!

My study abroad experience was the most incredible 4 months of my life! Barcelona is a beautiful, electric city full of culture, amazing food, beautiful beaches, and more. I got to learn a lot about international business and Spanish/Mediterranean culture through school, which has become a big talking point for me in post-grad job interviews. I was able to travel to so many cool places in Spain, as well as several other countries. I even got to go to Morocco with our program, where we camped in the Sahara desert and rode camels. And most importantly, I met the most amazing people I still talk to daily and continue to travel with. Study abroad in Barcelona- you won't regret it!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take advantage of everything living abroad has to offer!! Try new foods, travel as much as you can, and remember- you can sleep when you're dead! You'll only regret the chances you don't take.
Pros
  • Lots of stuff to do in the city
  • Fun excursions through the program
  • I got 15 transfer credits to my home university
Cons
  • I wish it was longer!
127 people found this review helpful.
Maria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Study Abroad Experience was a Dream!

My study abroad experience with ISA was nothing short of amazing. From the outset, ISA went above and beyond to provide a comprehensive program. The professional development opportunities were invaluable, setting the stage for personal and academic growth. Even after the program, ISA Brought me on as a global ambassador, where I was paid to talk about my experience, and help other people discover their study abroad program. The excursions offered during the program were not just outings but immersive experiences.

What truly sets this experience apart, however, is the lifelong friendships forged. My study abroad friends, whom I met through ISA, have become an integral part of my life. The bond we share is not just a result of shared experiences; it's a connection forged for life. We are so close that we're planning a reunion soon!

ISA excelled in every aspect, ensuring that my time abroad was the best period of my life so far. From academics to safety, from housing to orientation into the country, every detail was handled. I only felt confidence moving into the experience because I knew ISA had my back.

I can confidently say that choosing ISA for my study abroad experience was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's an investment in not just education but in a transformative journey that continues to shape my perspective and relationships.

122 people found this review helpful.
Lillian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ISA in Barcelona: A "must do" in life

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.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't take anything for granted and make the most of it. It is a busy and exciting 6 months but looking back I wouldn't change anything. Take the random 20 euro flight to the new country. Introduce yourself to new people. Try new foods.
Pros
  • Amazing place to meet people- locals and students are super kind
  • Big city, but there is so much more than just city life (never bored)
  • Great night life
Cons
  • Housing is random
109 people found this review helpful.
Carly
4/5
No, I don't recommend this program

love

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.

101 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers