Barcelona SAE: Intl. Business & Humanities Semester at UAB

My title truly does not do this experience justice! Studying abroad in Barcelona opened my eyes and gave me so many wonderful experiences that I will cherish for a lifetime. I highly recommend Barcelona SAE as they made the process of moving to an entirely different country seamless. Their ability to answer every question you may have, willingness to help, and organization and planning are just a few things that this program exceeds at. They have truly worked their hardest to make sure that the students in their program are as acclimated to this new environment as possible and to provide us with new experiences. The trips and activities that Barcelona SAE offers are like no other and helped me to get to know the local culture within Barcelona and to visit places that I would not have thought of visiting in Spain. On another note, the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona did an amazing job of providing a quality education for students that are coming from different parts of the world. As an American student studying abroad, I really appreciated the variety of backgrounds and different ways of life that I learned about from making friends with and being in classes with students from Germany, Brazil, China, and Morrocco. This school prioritizes a global view and does a very good job of challenging its students while also understanding that most of us are taking on the role of world travelers. Regarding travel, I had the opportunity of visiting 18 new places, 7 new countries, and 2 new continents. Experiencing new places and cultures is something that I have always dreamed of and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel. It is true that traveling and immersing yourself in new environments gives you something that school can never teach you. Although I took advantage of my time to travel, I think that it is also important to note that I made sure to spend a lot of time in Barcelona as well. This city is truly one of a kind and is the absolute perfect home base for studying abroad. In my opinion, you could never get bored in Barcelona and the location, culture, weather, and history truly speak for themselves. In the end, I am coming out of this semester happier and more fulfilled than I could have imagined. Speaking from experience, if you are at all nervous or hesitant to study abroad, this is your sign that it is truly the most amazing experience. I came to Spain alone and made friends that will last me a lifetime.

Studying abroad with BSAE has been a life-changing experience. This semester, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to eight incredible countries, including Venice, Copenhagen, and London, each offering unforgettable experiences. In Venice, I wandered through its maze-like streets, marveled at the beauty of St. Mark’s Basilica, and took a serene gondola ride along the canals. The city’s timeless charm and unique architecture left a lasting impression. In Copenhagen, I biked through its colorful streets, admired the iconic Nyhavn waterfront, and embraced the city's eco-friendly and modern vibe. London offered a mix of history and energy, from seeing the majestic Tower of London to experiencing the buzz of Covent Garden and the iconic Big Ben. Back in my host city, I immersed myself in Catalan culture, attending vibrant local festivals like the Castells, where I witnessed human towers that symbolize unity and tradition. I explored architectural wonders like the Sagrada Família and indulged in delicious Catalan dishes such as pa amb tomàquet. This semester has been more than just travel; it’s been a journey of personal growth. Each destination taught me to embrace new cultures, adapt to unfamiliar environments, and connect with people from different backgrounds. From navigating language barriers to learning the unspoken rules of different societies, I’ve gained invaluable life skills. These experiences have expanded my world perspective and created lasting memories. Studying abroad has been an incredible blend of exploration, education, and discovery, leaving me with a deep appreciation for the diversity and richness of the world.

This semester with Barcelona SAE has been incredible, and I can't recommend the program enough to anyone who is considering applying! I have made so many lifelong connections with individuals in my program, and there are lots of really great cultural immersion activities, like cooking classes and flamenco dance lessons! My housing is in a safe area and my commute to my classes is not long, and living in Barcelona will be an experience I'll never forget.