You’ve seen the photos: Gaudí architecture, palm trees, tapas, and the Mediterranean in the background.
But what is it actually like to study abroad in Barcelona?
The real Barcelona study abroad experience is about much more than sightseeing. You’ll be taking classes, navigating public transportation, finding favorite neighborhood spots, and gradually learning how to make a major international city feel a little more like home.
If you’re considering studying in Barcelona, Spain, here’s what you should know.
What is student life like in Barcelona?
Student life in Barcelona offers a mix of immersive academics, Catalan culture, coastal vibes, and big-city energy.
Your experience will depend on your program and routine, but a typical week could include attending classes, studying at a café, exploring a new neighborhood, visiting a museum, grabbing dinner with friends, or spending some time near the Mediterranean.
Eventually, some of the things that felt unfamiliar during your first week — your commute, the grocery store, your favorite lunch spot — may simply become part of everyday life.
That transition is one of the things that makes living abroad as a student different from visiting Barcelona on a trip or vacation.
Do you need to speak Spanish to study abroad in Barcelona?
No, you don’t necessarily need to speak Spanish before studying abroad in Barcelona.
Programs offer courses taught in English as well as opportunities to take Spanish language classes. Barcelona is also bilingual: both Catalan and Spanish are widely used.
You’ll likely encounter English in many parts of the city, but learning some Spanish — and a few words of Catalan — can make daily interactions easier and help you engage more meaningfully with the culture around you.
You don’t have to arrive fluent. Being willing to learn matters more.
What can you study in Barcelona?
Barcelona study abroad programs can appeal to students across many different academic interests.
Depending on the university and program you choose, you may find courses related to areas such as business, humanities, social sciences, international studies, Spanish language, and culture.
The best place to start is with your degree requirements.
Ask yourself:
- What courses do I still need?
- Could I fulfill major, minor, elective, or language credit abroad?
- Which term works best with my academic plan?
Then look for Barcelona programs that align with those needs. Be sure to connect with your Academic Advisor and Study Abroad office on your home university campus to talk through your options, too. Our team is also here to help!
Is Barcelona easy for students to get around?
One advantage of living in a major European city is having access to extensive public transportation.
Instead of relying on a car, you’ll learn how to navigate Barcelona using its metro, bus system, and other transportation options. Walking is also a great way to get to know individual neighborhoods!
There may be a learning curve during your first few days, but figuring out how to navigate a new city is part of becoming more independent abroad.
Soon enough, you may be giving tourists or other students in Barcelona directions yourself!
What’s there to do in Barcelona outside of class?
A lot.
Barcelona is known for its iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, but some of your favorite memories may come from the places that aren’t on your original sightseeing list.
Explore different neighborhoods like Gràcia and Sant Antoni. Visit markets like Mercat de la Boqueria and Mercat de Santa Caterina. Spend time at the local beaches. Check out museums and galleries, like Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya or the Picasso Museum. Try new foods and enjoy all of the tapas. Find a favorite park. Attend local events. Take a day trip outside the city.
The goal isn’t simply to “see Barcelona.”
You’re getting the chance to live in Barcelona as a student, which means you have time to discover the city beyond its biggest attractions.
What is the food like in Barcelona?
Eating abroad is another way to experience local culture as a student.
As a major city, Barcelona gives you opportunities to try both Catalan and Spanish dishes alongside food from around the world. Markets, neighborhood restaurants, bakeries, and cafés can all become part of your routine.
Be willing to try things you haven’t ordered before — and don’t worry if you can’t pronounce everything perfectly. Locals will appreciate you giving your best effort!
That’s part of the experience.
Can you travel while studying abroad in Barcelona?
Barcelona can be a great starting point for exploring more of Spain and Europe at large.
But here’s one of our biggest Barcelona study abroad tips: don’t spend every free weekend leaving Barcelona.
It’s tempting to try to fit as many destinations as possible into your time abroad, but give yourself opportunities to stay local, too. Explore Catalonia. Revisit your favorite neighborhoods. Go somewhere in Barcelona you haven’t seen yet.
As a student in Barcelona, you’re not just traveling through the city. For a little while, you’re living there—and it can become your home-away-from-home.
Can you intern abroad in Barcelona instead?
Yes! If your main goal of going abroad is to gain professional experience, you may also want to consider an international internship in Barcelona.
Interning abroad lets you experience the city while developing professional skills, boosting your resume, and experiencing another workplace culture.
For some students, traditional study abroad makes the most sense. For others, an internship aligns more closely with their goals.
The important thing is knowing that you have options—and can do both in Barcelona!
What should you know before studying abroad in Barcelona?
It’s normal to go through an adjustment period. Some things will feel exciting immediately. Others may feel unfamiliar or confusing at first. That’s to be expected when you’re learning to live somewhere new!
Give yourself time to develop a routine, ask questions, and get comfortable exploring. Try not to compare every experience to how things work at home.
The differences are part of why you’re there.
So, what is studying abroad in Barcelona really like?
It’s exciting classes and new friends. It’s getting turned around on the metro at first and then eventually knowing exactly where you’re going. It’s iconic architecture around every corner and ordinary trips to the grocery store. It’s discovering a city — and learning more about yourself in the process.
No two Barcelona study abroad experiences will look exactly the same.
Ready to see what yours could look like?
Explore AIFS Abroad programs in Barcelona and find the study abroad or international internship experience that fits you.
