Hello there, travelers and fellow students! Are you prepared to start a trip that will change your life? Imagine getting significant academic experiences while studying in an exciting city and seeing an array of cultures. I’ll give you an online perspective of Barcelona, Spain if you’re thinking about going overseas to study as an undergraduate. Many famous colleges and educational institutes with campuses in Barcelona draw students from all over the world. There are several programs available to meet your academic objectives, whether you have an interest in business, language studies, the arts, or the sciences.

Barcelona is located in Catalonia, which is home to people of both Spanish and Catalan. This is a wonderful opportunity to fully immerse in the language and advance your language abilities. Barcelona is famous for having a distinctive culture that incorporates both Catalan and Spanish features. Sagrada Familia, where I lived, and Park Güell to the winding lanes of the Gothic Quarter, the city is full of magnificent buildings and important historical sites. You will develop a deeper understanding of art by visiting these locations and learning about their significance.

Let us not forget about the amazing coastline Barcelona possesses with Barceloneta being the most famous one and also the marina where you can do a lot of water activities. I did a boat tour and the most amazing paddle board experience at sunrise in the marina with an amazing view. Barcelona is a great starting point for traveling to other fascinating places in Europe because of its central location.

Utilize your summer study abroad experience by taking weekend excursions to nearby towns like Seville, Madrid or Valencia. Barcelona’s well-connected airport and train network make it simple to go beyond Spain’s boundaries and visit other European nations. I traveled to great cities like London, Prague, Madrid, Seville and Mallorca where I experienced the cultural change of each city and the history that runs deep with them. Another thing I found that I wasn’t used to was that Barcelona was a train and walkable city. I used the train to get to class every single day and do other activities throughout the day. The train system and public transportation were so easy and affordable to use even for an English-dominant speaker.

Then lastly, the food in Barcelona was something I didn’t think I would ever forget. Every meal I had in Barcelona I loved because of their rich Spanish ingredients and how fresh everything is. Barcelona is famous for its paellas and tapas. Paella is a bowl of rice and seafood served in a pan while tapas include a potato base appetizer that is delicious. Overall I am delighted and very much appreciative of how Barcelona and Mizzou have accepted me with open arms and allow me to see the world like no other.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: IES Abroad: Language and Area Studies in Barcelona