CIEE College Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

I had so much fun during my semester abroad in Barcelona! I was able to take courses that met requirements for my majors; I took one of them at ESCI, a host institution, and the other 4 at CIEE. Barcelona has so many things to offer - I found something new each day that I explored around, and I never had a chance to be bored. When studying abroad, you also have the chance to travel A LOT. I'm glad I made the most of my time there and visited a bunch of other cities and countries! CIEE also offered some cool excursions, and I met a bunch of students from around the world. I'm very happy I had this opportunity and am already planning my trip back there!

I arrived to the program late after some circumstantial issues with my visa, so I was worried that I was going to have a difficult time finding close friends and adjusting to the program in some way, shape, or form. Luckily, everyone in this program is amazing so not only did I have no issues, but I was able to make some great friends right off the bat. The staff at CIEE is extremely helpful and always offering opportunities to get to know Barcelona better, as well as connect you with local students. Taking classes at UB was extremely daunting at first and I felt out of my element, but with the help of the great tutors CIEE offers and the professors and program directors, I was able to do well in all of my classes and thrive academically. I chose to live in a homestay with another student, which was one of the best decisions I made in the program. It was a great way to get authentic meals while practicing Spanish in a conversational environment, and the girl I lived with and I ended up becoming great friends. There's a lot of time to do your own thing, I was able to do a lot of traveling while I was there, and I honestly don't have enough good things to say about the program, CIEE definitely contributed to study abroad being one of the greatest times of my life.

I have absolutely nothing but positive memories with CIEE Barcelona. I did the homestay option and studied at the Facultat de Filología and loved both! The program naturally forces you out of your comfort zone and rewards you with a wealth of rich knowledge, fond memories, and friends of a lifetime. At times, the program was difficult, but CIEE Barcelona provides undivided, personal support for challenges in-and-out of the classroom. Alberto and the rest of the program staff are transparent with their students from day one, and they push you to dive into Spanish culture.

I would highly recommend this program to anybody looking to contextualize their understanding of the Spanish language and take fantastic classes at the Universitat de Barcelona. The memories I share with my program friends are ones I will never forget. Take advantage of everything Barcelona, Spain, and Europe has to offer! Alberto and the staff are just the best--I wish I could return to CIEE Barcelona!

CIEE ALA is the best program you can choose if you want to immerse yourself in Spanish language and culture. It is a unique study abroad program because it allows its participants to take classes at the University of Barcelona in Spanish, which is the best way to get to know other Spanish students and dramatically improve your language skills. The program attracts students who are eager to get out of their comfort zone and learn lots. The small size means that everyone becomes really close, and the leaders of the program are always there for one-on-one help. Would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to challenge themselves and have a fulfilling experience studying abroad.

I could not have asked for a better study abroad program. My homestay was absolutely amazing, every professor at CIEE is there to help and support you in anything you may need, and the location of everything is perfect! Barcelona was an amazing city to study abroad in and I cannot wait to return. I will admit I struggled with a biology class I took while there but the Professor and Alberto, the CIEE program director, helped me through everything and I ended up passing! Do not worry, you will have time to travel around Europe as well! I made it to five different countries traveling with new friends from my program. An amazing way to meet new friends that will last a lifetime. This is absolutely the best study abroad program in my opinion. Definitely a challenge but always worth it in the end.

I loved my semester abroad in Barcelona! I even had the opportunity to be a CIEE blogger, so if you are interested please look me up on their site. It is the perfect sized city, close to the beach and the mountains, and the food is amazing. Not to mention you never run out of things to do or see. It is also very easy to travel around Europe by being in Barcelona. I have been to four other countries during this semester abroad. I would definitely recommend this program specifically, especially if improving your Spanish is something that is important to you. I would also recommend staying with a host family. It is a great way to try local food and also practice your casual/every day conversation in a stress free environment. I am so sad to be leaving next week.

I loved everything about my abroad experience with ALA Barcelona. This program does a fantastic job of balancing academic challenge with fun cultural activities. I had an amazing semester spent exploring Barcelona and traveling on weekends, and I improved my Spanish a lot. I think the biggest advantage that ALA offers is being able to take classes at the University of Barcelona. Unlike most Americans that study in Barcelona, I and the rest of ALA students interacted much more with locals. The level of linguistic and cultural emersion is much higher for this program compared to most others, and CIEE provides constant personal support to ensure that their students succeed academically. I think ALA students have the opportunity to really get to know Barcelona beyond a surface/ tourist-y level. In terms of logistics, ALA provides three housing options (residencia dorm among local students, apartment with other Americans, or homestay). The vast majority of students love their living situation, and each option has different advantages. I personally stayed in the residencia, and loved the central city location/ proximity to UB. Looking back, I would not change anything about my time in Barcelona!

I loved everything about my study abroad experience. I came in as a Spanish major wanting to make friends and become fluent and did exactly that. CIEE placed me with a welcoming Catalan family who had a brother my age I am close with to this day. Between my homestay experience, and classes with the University of Barcelona and CIEE, I had so many opportunities to learn and I am proud to say I am fluent today. I also made so many friends and not just with the students, but professors as well! The CIEE program had many opportunities for us to hang out with the students and professors alike, my favorite of which being a weekend excursion to Collioure. Overall, I had the best time in Barcelona and miss the city, friends and program so much!! I would highly recommend this experience to anyone hoping to improve their Spanish or simply immerse themselves in a young and vibrant city!