Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain with AIFS Abroad

There are not enough works to express how amazing this experience was for me because I ended up meeting my best friends during my last semester of college. We all signed up for different programs through AIFS, but since we lived in the same building, we were able to bond and dive deeper into the beauties of Barcelona together. We were able to travel to different countries and do fun excursions through AIFS like visit a winery, go hiking in Montserrat, take a cooking class and visit the city's landmarks. While we had to adapt to the cultural differences, living with other AIFS students and spending time with everyone in the program was truly a home away from home. These people were my foundation. We were able to be vulnerable with one another and discover not just a whole new culture together but learn things about ourselves that we never realized before. I will always remember when my friends and I wrote letters to one another to read on the flight home from Barcelona and I do not think I will ever cry as hard as I did than when I read those letters. We have gone from being just steps away from each other in our student residence to being separated by thousands of miles. Barcelona will always be our special place, and I am so thankful to AIFS for introducing me to my best friends.

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I chose AIFS Abroad because I wanted a program where I felt supported every step of the way, and that’s exactly what I got. I studied in Barcelona, Spain during the Spring semester of 2024. From the moment I applied, the staff made everything so smooth, from helping me with housing to answering all my questions before I left. Once I got there, I felt like I always had someone to turn to, whether it was my AIFS roommate, the staff, or the resources they provided me. That support made adjusting to a new country a lot less overwhelming. Living in Barcelona was incredible. I stayed in a homestay, which immersed me in the culture even more, especially since one of my goals is to become fluent in Spanish. I took classes that connected to my interests and joined excursions that helped me experience the city beyond the classroom. Some of my best memories came from just hanging out with friends I made in the program, whether it was getting lost in the Gothic Quarter, trying tapas together after class, or going on our own weekend trip outside of the country. It felt like we built our own little community abroad. This experience changed me in ways I didn’t expect. It was truly transformative. I became more confident in myself, learned how to adapt in unfamiliar situations, and started seeing new possibilities for my future. Studying abroad with AIFS wasn’t just about traveling; it was about growing. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone who wants to challenge themselves, travel, and truly immerse themselves in something new.

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To preface, I did not attend UPF, but I did attend UAB during the Spring semester. I decided to go with AIFS because of how well their program was organized and the level of support they offer to students. During my time studying abroad in Barcelona, the staff were incredibly supportive and always available to help with anything we needed. The program did a great job of fully immersing us in the local culture, which made the experience even more meaningful. I chose to stay in an apartment, and it exceeded my expectations. It was not only comfortable but also conveniently located near my school and lots of places to explore around the city. Through this program, I was able to connect with people I never would have met otherwise, and I’m genuinely grateful for everything AIFS made possible. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking for a more personal and inclusive study abroad experience.

I decided I wanted to travel abroad 2 years before actually making it happen. I knew I wanted to travel far away from the States, where I could go on walks in the city and the beach. After doing some research on many abroad programs AIFS seemed like the best option for what I was looking for. AIFS programs had lots of activities included, reasonable program prices depending on locations, and scholarship opportunities for funding. Upon acceptance to my program, the AIFS staff was great at keeping communication with me through the application process. The staff abroad was also very caring and helpful making sure all students were accommodated well and safe. My experience with AIFS in Barcelona, Spain was an unforgettable experience. Housing was great, activities were fun, the UAB campus was close in distance from my apartment, and other students from the program were also great! I chose the "flight package" for my departure option because I had never been out of the country on my own so I thought it would be better if they arranged my flight and pick-up/drop off to the airport in Barcelona to be more at ease. I am glad I did that because it saved me so much time and stress. Amy from AIFS was super sweet when I met her at my pick-up spot. If you are thinking about studying abroad with AIFS, I would definitely recommend! 10/10 experience. I was only there for six weeks in summer, but I wish my time there would've been longer.

I chose Barcelona, Spain as my study abroad location because I wanted to travel to Europe and learn more Spanish! After exploring my school's study-abroad partners, I chose AIFS at UAB because it had the best course equivalency for my school back in the United States. I am so happy I chose this program, and I wouldn't change a thing about it. I made some great friends through this program from all over the world! During my four months there, I learned so much about Spain's rich culture and grew to be a more mindful and independent person. I've carried my new worldly view back into my life in the United States, and I can't wait to see where I go next.

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I had so much fun, it was a bit nerve wrecking not knowing anyone but it was such a wonderful experience. I ended up getting to know so many new people from around the U.S. and we still keep in touch now. I hope to have another opportunity like this again.

My wife and I were both students looking for a study abroad experience together, and decided to try out Barcelona. The ordeal was easy and AIFS was eager to answer any questions we had. The best part was that AIFS was able to accommodate our situation, and found us a host-family we could stay at together.

I did my junior semester abroad and I had the opportunity to meet so many other students who gave me support and became family for me. We were all in this together and I was so excited to explore the city and live in a different context than my own. The program and the people who make it work do such an amazing job at being supportive and frequently check in with the students. I recommend the program!

The level of acceptance and support I received while abroad was life changing. As a trans man I was nervous about traveling and having my identity respected, but the AIFS staff welcomed me with open arms and continued to advocate for me through my entire time there. My host family was beyond everything I could have imagined and I was able to create a bond with them which I believe will last a lifetime. I could not be more grateful for my experiences with AIFS and I’m eager to see more of the world on my own.

My time in Spain fostered so much personal growth and allowed me to live a life unlike one I have ever experienced. I met wonderful people, experienced a beautiful culture, and made indescribable memories that I will never forget. The cultural activities that were planned by AIFS, especially the cooking class and day trips to surrounding areas were awesome! I wish I could experience studying in Spain ten more times, and am so grateful that I experienced it even once.

Studying abroad with AIFS at UAB Barcelona was a transformative experience. The program not only provided excellent academic opportunities but also fostered a supportive community. I'm grateful for the lifelong connections and friendships formed, making my time in Spain truly unforgettable.

My experience with AIFS in Barcelona was unforgettable and amazing. I was placed in an apartment with 5 other girls and it was easy to connect and create friendships. AIFS administrators made it easy to get situated and find my way around the Barcelona metro system and how to get to school from the apartment. The trips and activities were planned fairly well and enjoyable.

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My time in Barcelona was AMAZING. I made so many great friends, had amazing professors, and enjoyed getting to know and love Catalan culture. I highly recommend staying in a homestay and branching out!! I loved celebrating local holidays and eating the local food. GO TO BARCELONA you will not regret it!

Initially I was skeptical of doing a study abroad, because I was going to be investing so much money and placing my full trust on, well, a bunch of strangers. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The AIFS program allows you opportunities you would never have on solo travel. It is a very unique experience, with incredibly caring staff who quickly become your friends. Our host family was inviting and awesome, and we loved getting to know our other roommates. Overall, this was one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and I wish I could go back!

My study abroad experience in Barcelona was nothing short of magical. It was an adventure that not only enriched my academic pursuits but also left me with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and a profound appreciation for Spanish culture. Academic Experience: Studying in Barcelona opened doors to a world of academic excellence. The city boasts renowned universities, and I had the privilege of attending Universitat Pompeu Fabra. The diverse range of courses offered, coupled with passionate professors, made every day in the classroom a joy. The international perspective I gained from interacting with students from around the globe was invaluable. Cultural Immersion: Barcelona is a city that effortlessly blends history, art, and modernity. Exploring the iconic Sagrada Familia, strolling down the vibrant streets of Las Ramblas, and marveling at the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí were among the highlights. The city's rich history and artistic heritage became an integral part of my daily life. Language and Communication: One of the most rewarding aspects of my stay was the opportunity to immerse myself in the Spanish language. While English was often spoken, I made a conscious effort to communicate in Spanish whenever possible. This not only improved my language skills but also allowed me to connect with the locals on a deeper level. Friendships and Cultural Exchange: Studying abroad provides a unique chance to build friendships that transcend borders. I met people from diverse backgrounds, and together, we shared our cultures, traditions, and dreams. These bonds will remain with me forever, and I'm grateful for the friendships that blossomed during my time in Barcelona. Travel Opportunities: Barcelona's strategic location within Europe made it an ideal starting point for exploring the continent. Weekend trips to nearby cities, such as Madrid, Paris, and Rome, were easily accessible and added an extra layer of excitement to my study abroad experience. Conclusion: My study abroad journey in Barcelona was a transformative experience that enriched my academic and personal growth. The city's vibrant culture, incredible history, and warm people left an indelible mark on my heart. I'm grateful for this life-changing adventure, and I would encourage anyone considering studying abroad to seize the opportunity, especially through AIFS. Barcelona will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I'm confident that it can do the same for others. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to AIFS for making this incredible experience possible. Winning the $500 would be a wonderful bonus, but the real prize is the memories and personal growth that Barcelona has gifted me.

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I had an extremely fun time abroad. Met some really cool people. Visited many different places and really enjoyed the courses I enrolled. I would recommend anyone who can to do the same. I had never been abroad before such an eye opening experience.

I studied at UAB during the spring of 2023. I lived with in a homestay with two roommates and had a wonderful experience. All the AIFS staff were extremely helpful and caring. My courses at UAB were so interesting and engaging with professors often offering experiences throughout the city. I truly felt that I was able to be immersed in the culture interacting with UAB students through language exchanges and other opportunities.

Good. More discipline needed. Apartments were really nice. Need more administrative attention to the living situation and mental health of constituents. Some students completely lacked the self awareness of living in the same room.

I had the most amazing time studying abroad with AIFS in Barcelona!! They took care of everything for us and made the experience very enjoyable. The apartment they put us in was amazing. They made themselves very accessible to students during our stay and also planned a variety of free culture activities/trips for us.

I had a great time. Barcelona is a really cool city with a lot to offer and it’s super easy to travel around Spain and Europe as well. Met a lot of cool people and had a lot of fun. Will definitely remember for the rest of my life.