CIEE College Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

The CIEE study abroad program has been an incredible experience! Whether our power went out, or my curtain broke, or I was very sick... CIEE was responsive and helpful. The classes are engaging and thoughtfully designed, with knowledgeable professors who bring a unique cultural perspective to the material. I appreciated how my professors were approachable and invested in helping us succeed academically while also encouraging us to explore and immerse ourselves in the local culture.

The housing arrangements were another highlight—comfortable, safe, and conveniently located to make the most of the study abroad experience. It felt like a home away from home, which made adjusting to a new environment much smoother.

Overall, CIEE offers a well-rounded program that balances academics, cultural immersion, and personal growth. I’d highly recommend it to anyone considering studying abroad!

I enjoyed my time in Barcelona very much and had a great experience through CIEE. I always felt supported through my academics, housing, and day to day life. The weather was always beautiful, most places were a walkable distance, and the metro system was very easy to figure out and use. The city has an energetic, welcoming vibe and there is always something to see or do. I always felt like I had resources to reach out to if I ever needed anything and never felt like I was falling behind. I would definitely recommend studying abroad in Barcelona through CIEE’s program.

I had such an amazing time studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain! It completely exceeded my expectations and I would absolutely recommend choosing this program to see how you might experience this beautiful, lively city. I chose to live with a host family - which I highly recommend if you actually want to gain a slightly more authentic expereince of how people live in Barcelona - and while it pushed me out of my comfort zone, my spanish greatly improved, I now have un "abuela de espana" to come visit, and it's probably the experience I will miss the most when leaving. Location-wise, Barcelona caters to such a wide variety of people, transportation is amazing, climate is pretty close to perfect, and there is something for everyone to entertain themselves at any given moment. I could write so much more, but prefer to keep my review short and sweet. Whether you like art, music, volleyball, climbing, the list goes on, Barcelona will teach you so much about yourself and the thing you might have chosen to learn here as well one-hundred times fold.

I am so blessed to have been able to come to Barcelona to study Spanish and learn more about the unique culture of Barcelona and Catalonia. I took classes taught in Spanish, one about Art History and the other about the History of Barcelona, although I had many friends taking business, marketing, and other cultural classes in English as well. It goes to show that you can find classes about lots of different things at CIEE Barcelona! Through this program I was able to do lots of activities in and around Barcelona, as well as day trips around Catalonia. I was also able to travel to Rome, Madrid, and Glasgow during my 8 weeks here. Overall, I was able to engage with the local culture, increase my Spanish skills, and learn a lot about myself and the world. If you are on the fence- go for it!

I was extremely nervous about embarking on this program, as it was my first time traveling to another continent and being away from my friends for such an extended period. The prospect of stepping into the unknown, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and environments, was daunting. Nevertheless, I saw this as an opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Upon my arrival in Spain, I realized I was completely on my own. I didn’t know a single person in the program, which heightened my anxiety but also motivated me to be proactive in making connections. The first few days were the hardest, filled with uncertainty and a sense of isolation. However, I was determined not to let these feelings hinder my experience. I understood that to make the most of this journey, I needed to step out of my shell and engage with others. To overcome my initial nervousness, I decided to adopt an open and friendly approach. I started conversations with everyone I met, from fellow students to local residents. This wasn’t easy at first, as I have always been a bit shy. But I knew that if I didn’t take the initiative, I would miss out on the chance to form meaningful relationships and fully immerse myself in the culture. Living in the dormitory was a significant factor in helping me build friendships. The communal living environment naturally encouraged interaction and bonding. I made it a point to introduce myself to my hallmates and participate in dorm activities. This proactive approach paid off, as I quickly found a group of people with whom I clicked. We began exploring the beautiful cities and landscapes of Spain together, creating unforgettable memories along the way. Our shared adventures included visiting iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Alhambra in Granada, and the bustling streets of Madrid. We also took the time to immerse ourselves in local culture, attending flamenco shows, savoring tapas at local eateries, and participating in traditional festivals. Each experience brought us closer together and enriched our understanding of Spanish culture. One of the most rewarding aspects of this program was the diversity of the people I met. My new friends came from various backgrounds and parts of the world, each bringing their unique perspectives and stories. This diversity not only broadened my horizons but also taught me the value of embracing differences and finding common ground. Through our interactions, I developed a deeper appreciation for cultural exchange and the importance of global connections. The program also offered numerous opportunities for personal growth. Navigating a new country and adapting to a different lifestyle required resilience and flexibility. There were moments of homesickness and cultural misunderstandings, but each challenge taught me valuable lessons in patience and perseverance. By stepping out of my comfort zone and facing these obstacles head-on, I became more confident and self-reliant. In addition to personal growth, the academic aspect of the program was equally enriching. The courses I took provided me with a deeper understanding of Spanish history, language, and society. Engaging with local professors and students allowed me to gain insights that went beyond textbooks, offering a more nuanced perspective of the country. This academic experience complemented the cultural immersion, making my time in Spain both intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling. Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the initial nervousness that prompted me to take this leap. The friendships I formed and the experiences I had were beyond anything I could have imagined. This program not only allowed me to explore a beautiful country but also helped me grow as an individual. It taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and being open to the unknown. As I return home, I carry with me not just memories of Spain but also a newfound confidence and a broader worldview that will continue to shape my future endeavors.

I participated in 3 sessions of CIEE’s Summer Barcelona Business + Culture program. I had an amazing time and it was a great opportunity to build new connections while exploring Europe! During my experience, I traveled to Paris, Ibiza, Tossa De Mar, and Costa Brava. The classes were the perfect combination of in-class and out of class learning opportunities. It took a range of classes including International Marketing, Economics of Wine, and Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility: From Theory to Practice.

I had an amazing experience with CIEE and staying with a host family. CIEE prioritizes making the city accessible to its students and providing activities to get them immersed in the culture. Class schedule was easy and allowed for plenty of time to do individual exploring on the weekends. We had 2/4 Fridays off which allowed for out of country travel to be much easier. Teacher was engaging and valued our time, he acknowledged that exploring the city was more important than having homework. I learned a lot from this course and loved having such a knowledgable teacher.

I had a lot of fun in this program. My class, covered a lot of the history of the city and allowed us to go and see the city first hand in guided groups. The day trips and planned activities were very engaging. Everyone in the program was super nice and made the month really enjoyable.

Homestay mom was kind and it was great staying with her. And the amount of freedom allowed us to visit a bunch of places. I really recommend if you want to enjoy some time in Spain.

To Do While Here:
Coasta Brava
Stiges
Go to the Clubs - personal fav was Razzmatazz
Visit the Museums - they are fun and also have AC :P