Ready to hear what it’s really like to study abroad in Spain? We recently caught up with Julia from Ohio Wesleyan University, who spent her spring semester studying abroad in Barcelona with AIFS Abroad.
Read on to learn how Julia’s semester in Barcelona shaped her academics and inspired personal growth!
Choosing When and Where to Study Abroad
Every student has a different reason for choosing a program destination. For some, the culture or academics make it stand out, for Julia, it was the creative offerings and affordability that made studying abroad in Barcelona so appealing:
“I chose Barcelona for its design and art programs, affordability, and [because it was] a location I was very interested in… I think it is a very well-connected location that has opportunities for language and cultural immersion. I also believe it is a great location for students new to travel or nervous to go abroad. It is very easy to explore around and felt very welcoming as a student.”
When to study abroad is another big consideration for college students. AIFS Abroad offers programs during the fall and spring semesters, as well as short-term programs that occur outside the traditional academic year. Thanks to seasonal festivals and events, plus the city’s upbeat atmosphere, Julia found spring was an excellent time to explore Barcelona:
“Barcelona was fun and lively in the spring. There were always fun events and festivals happening, and the weather was nice the whole semester.”
Academics Abroad
Academics are an important part of every study abroad experience. After all, many college students who go abroad need to advance their degree to stay on track for graduation, but learning in another country can also bring course material to life in new and meaningful ways. As a studio art major, Julia was able to take several creative courses at her host university that aligned perfectly with her degree:
“I studied at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and truly enjoyed it… All of my classes were taught in English by professors, but other students took some classes in Spanish.
I took four classes: Cultural Photography, Urban Sketching, Intercultural Communication, and Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking, for a total of fourteen credits. All my classes counted as electives towards my major. My favorite class was Urban Sketching, where we learned different watercolor and drawing techniques, and on most days, traveled to different landmarks in Barcelona to practice the skills we were developing.”
The building where she took her courses was located in the very heart of Barcelona, which even offered views of the iconic Sagrada Familia:
“The building was central in Barcelona and in a great area. Lots of shops and restaurants were nearby, as well as Ciudadela Park… It had two main areas to study, relax, or eat, along with a balcony with a view of the Sagrada Familia… [The school’s location] allowed for many of my classes to take field trips from the classroom to the surrounding area or to start in different areas of Barcelona and return to UAB at the end.”
Julia appreciated how her classes at UAB allowed her to build relationships with her professors and local students, as well as other international students:
“I really loved interacting with my professors and fellow students. UAB gave us the opportunity not just to interact with other study abroad students but also with all the students at UAB living in Spain… [and students from] all over the United States.”
Language Learning
Living in Barcelona meant navigating both Spanish and Catalan in everyday life. Even without language classes abroad, Julia found plenty of opportunities to build on her existing Spanish language skills and connect across cultures:
“Even though I [did not take Spanish language] classes [in Barcelona], I got lots of language exposure through my host family, locals, and friends [who were] taking classes. There were times when the language barrier caused some challenges, but many people spoke English, and if they didn’t, people were very open to sharing the language and helping me learn new words and phrases. By the end, I left knowing a lot more Spanish and Catalan.”
Housing
Where you stay can significantly shape your entire experience abroad; that’s one reason why AIFS Abroad programs all include safe and central housing. While Julia had originally planned to live in a shared apartment, she was so glad that she stayed in a homestay instead:
“AIFS provided three options for housing with my program: homestays, shared apartments, and student dormitories… I ended up loving my homestay. It allowed me freedom, support, an environment with less stress, and a way to save money. In my homestay, I had a single room and breakfast and dinner provided Monday through Friday. I didn’t have to worry about supplying an apartment or doing chores such as laundry. My homestay was in a great location with lots of restaurants nearby and only a two-minute walk from the metro.”
Making Friends Abroad
Like many students, Julia arrived at her host city without knowing anyone in her program. And like so many AIFS Abroad participants, she was able to easily make friends with people in her program and other local and international students at her school:
“I did not know anyone studying abroad when I went… After arriving, it seemed like everyone in my program was eager to form connections with others, and many others had come on their own and were anxious as well. While groups often form quickly at the beginning, they remain open to inviting others in… I was able to make connections in my classes, with people interested in trips, and with students from all kinds of different programs.”
Eurail Pass
One standout benefit of select AIFS Abroad programs is the free Eurail Pass, which gives students a flexible, budget-friendly way to explore more of Europe by train. The coveted pass allows for unlimited train travelacross 33 European countries over a set number of travel days. For students who want to spend their weekends traveling Europe, it’s an easy and affordable way to go about it. Here’s how Julia made the most of her AIFS Abroad Eurail pass:
“With the Eurail pass I received from AIFS, I spent my mid-semester break solo interrailing through France, Germany, and Switzerland. This was an incredible experience that allowed me to explore life and culture in multiple countries within a limited timeframe. I enjoyed traveling in a more sustainable way while avoiding the stress and anxiety associated with airport travel. Learning to take the train had a slight learning curve along with navigating so many different places, but in the end, I was able to have a great trip affordably with the pass.”
AIFS Abroad Activities and Excursions
AIFS Abroad programs include a range of social and cultural activities, as well as trips and excursions, that help students learn more about their host country and bond with fellow participants. Below, Julia reflects on some of the experiences that made her semester especially memorable:
“During the semester, I attended as many AIFS social and cultural activities as I could. They were both extremely fun and a great way to learn more about the culture of Barcelona and Spain as a whole. My favorite activities we did were a mosaic and a cooking class. I loved getting to be creative in the mosaic class and creating a souvenir that connected to a lovely memory. I also loved the cooking class, as I had tried so many delicious foods in Barcelona; it was fun to work on developing that skill and being able to take those recipes home to share with my loved ones.
AIFS also had multiple excursion options. I most enjoyed the trip to Tarragona, where we got to be a part of the Carnival festival and explore the beautiful city.”
Cultural Experiences Abroad
Not only are there tons of opportunities for cultural enrichment through AIFS Abroad activities and excursions, but when you study abroad, every day offers a new cultural experience. Julia’s favorite cultural experience provided the perfect cap to her study abroad program in Barcelona:
“My favorite cultural experience was on the last day of my program, when Barcelona celebrates La Diada de Sant Jordi (St. George’s Day). It was a beautiful day, when the city was covered in booths selling roses and books… It is also World Book Day, the anniversary of the deaths of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes… I spent the day drawing the city and visiting the beautiful shops and festivities. I was given a yellow rose by someone who liked my drawings, which meant a lot to me. It was amazing to have this cultural experience and get to participate in this Barcelona tradition.”
Final Thoughts from Julia
Reflecting on her study abroad experience in Barcelona, Julia leaves us with the following thoughts:
“Learning abroad truly can be a life-changing experience, no matter where you go. There are so many opportunities both to go abroad as a student and for financial support to make it possible. I am so grateful to AIFS for the opportunity to be a part of this program and to everyone who supported me on my journey. Through all the ups and downs, I feel like studying abroad gave me a chance to know myself better, broaden my perspective, and love the world around me even more deeply. For anyone like me who feels unsure or scared to make the leap, I believe it is truly worth it.”
Inspired by Julia’s semester in Barcelona? We’d love to help you start planning your own study abroad adventure!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students study abroad. Our programs are incredibly inclusive, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.
