Semester in Barcelona - Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona

My experience going abroad for a semester was better than I could have ever imagined. From the day I set foot in Barcelona until the night before my plane to go home, there was always something to do. I can't say that there was ever a moment I was bored or felt like there wasn't a new activity to do or a place I wanted to go back to. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona was in such a beautiful part of the city, located near many shops, cafes, and essential sight sees, such as The Sagrada Família. The professors at the university were extremely engaging, very outgoing, and extremely supportive. I always found myself feeling challenged and learned so much from my courses. No Friday classes was also a huge plus because it gave me more time to travel to new cities or explore Barcelona more. The transportation system in Barcelona was also extremely reliable and accessible, making it super easy and affordable to get around the city to all of my favorite spots. I felt as though there was always something to do in Barcelona when I wasn't in classes, and CIS was amazing with setting up all of the students with plenty of activities to do, whether that be weekend trips to Madrid, day trips to wineries, tours of must see spots in the city, and so much more. I had things planned every weekend, whether that be from my own travel plans, CIS Abroad's weekend activities, or exploring more of the city. The program itself was extremely supportive. With their onsite staff, I felt extremely supported and secure through all of my questions, worries, and emergencies. They were always there to help and helped me make Barcelona feel like home. They truly are your biggest support system out there and I couldn't have asked for a better on-site staff team. CIS Abroad also made the application process so easy. It can seem super overwhelming at first, but they truly were able to answer every question or doubt I had, and were extremely quick to respond to me. I felt as though they actually cared about me as a student, and not just a name on an application. The housing that I had was also amazing. I lived in Aparto, which was very close to the metro, buses, and the tram. The rooms were also great sizes with ample storage. I went with a random roommate, and CIS Abroad paired me up with a great roommate. If there was ever a housing issue, the CIS onsite staff were quick to resolve it and communicated throughout the entire process. Although I did go with two friends from my home university, I ended up meeting some of my best friends while I was abroad, and still keep in touch with today. There were endless things to do during the day and at night. Barcelona is truly for everyone. And the food there was some of the best I have ever had. It was also super easy to travel from Barcelona to other countries for weekend or week long trips. My and my friends were able to visit Austria, Germany, and Italy.

Every day since I got back from my semester in Barcelona I am replaying all of my memories from my time there. From the very first day I arrived to my last night before my flight back home. A larger reason why my semester is filled with so many memories is because of CIS. They provided day trips, a weekend trip and fun activities for us to meet new people and immerse ourselves in the culture of Barcelona.

I can not recommend Barclonea enough! There is so much to do in the city from the beach, to eating tapas, to walking around the gothic quarter and shopping. It is so nice to be somewhere where the culture is relaxed and people take time to be in the moment. I loved reading a book on the subway and you could get everywhere with public transportation! CIS being a smaller program than most others was a great way to meet people!

As a girl who grew up in a small town but with a large sense of adventure, studying abroad was something I always knew I wanted to do. However, I could never have imagined how fulfilling the experience would actually be. This past summer, in 2024, I made the decision to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain, at the University Autònoma de Barcelona. The cultures I experienced, the friends I made, and the memories I created are all things I could never have achieved if I hadn't taken the risk to study abroad. While the idea of studying abroad can be nerve-wracking, it has truly changed my outlook on life. I now hold knowledge and perspectives that have broadened my understanding of the world and enriched my personal and academic journey.

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If you are thinking about doing a study abroad program, make CISabroad your top pick! This was my first time living in a country other than the United States, and CIS made the transition easier than I could have ever imagined! The Barcelona onsite staff were always available to help or give advice, and they really made me feel at home. Not only this, but CIS also placed me in a centrally located and safe area of Barcelona which allowed me to really explore the city and acclimate to the culture. Overall, this was the most amazing experience ever and I made lifelong friendships and grew as a person. I owe it all to CISabroad!

CIS prepared me with all the information I needed about studying abroad. The pre-departure webinar gave details about traveling , currency, and our living situation. The cultural trips and activities made my study abroad experience even better.

CISabroad provided me with all of the tools and mindset to have the best experience possible while in Barcelona. Every faculty member was always available to answer any questions I may have had before and during my time in Barcelona. While in Barcelona, there was never a time where CISabroad didn't have an activity for us to participate in. Without CISabroad, I don't think my study abroad experience would have been as interactive and exciting.

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It is hard to even begin to describe my time in Barcelona. Ever day was an adventure. The city exceeded my expectations by 10. There are so many places to explore, and each area of the city is different and unique. That being said it is not so huge that you won't be able to figure out how to get around relatively easily. The program really helped at the beginning with planned activities. You also have plenty of time to do things on your own, but they have a good mix of guided activities as well to get to know people on your program, as well as get to know the city. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and if you are willing to ask they will help you with almost anything you want to do in the city (find a running club, volunteer, etc.). I would recommend CIS to anyone who wants to study abroad! Such a life changing experience.

I had a wonderful experience with CISabroad's Barcelona program. It was very well-organized, the staff was enthusiastic and helpful, I enjoyed my classes, and I loved living in the absolutely gorgeous and unique city of Barcelona. The CIS events and trips outside the city gave me the chance to learn so much about the region's culture that I probably never would have discovered myself. I really have nothing negative to say about my time here, and I recommend the program wholeheartedly

My time abroad was an unbelievable experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The professors I had for classes were very knowledgeable and kind. The program overall helped me out with everything I needed.

Barcelona was the perfect place for me because of its culture, language, art, food and social life. I loved everything about Barcelona and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I will definitely be back soon.

Barcelona is a an absolutely beautiful city and I would recommend it to anyone. The on-site staff are all very friendly and have provided numerous weekly activities etc. for one to take part in. I definitely enjoyed my experience.

This experience was the best experience of my life... It teaches you to grow and become more dependent upon yourself - all while exploring this world. Barcelona is truly magical. I already am missing it.

CIS abroad has a great staff in Barcelona and regardless of the issues with my apartment I would still recommend it to everyone! I hope people choose this program and love it as much as I did. The on-site staff in Barcelona was amazing and supportive!

CIS Abroad was incredibly helpful right from the beginning. During the summer I had a lot of help from Marquisa with my forms and even when I screwed up she was always there to help. Academically speaking, I loved my classes but I had a very difficult time the first week because there was a miscommunication and I was told I was taking different classes than what I was signed up for. Because of the time difference this was very difficult to resolve but Marquisa still helped me out immensely. My one recommendation is that you guys do more programs involving locals because it was difficult to meet locals because we all took study abroad classes with other study abroad students. Also, most of our trips and excursions were just with the other American kids. I loved the excursions and trips, those were amazing especially Granada, that one you guys should keep no matter what.

Everything about this program was amazing. The cultural activities every Wednesday were incredible, the classes were easy but gripping, the city is thrilling, the opportunities to travel are abundant, the night life is filled with energy, the beach is wonderful, and the advisors are helpful. I definately feel like I got my money's worth with all of the extra trips CSI put on for us. However, a lot of people had a hard time with their homestay family being incredibly stingy and rude so I would recommend an apartment style. However, if your goal is to learn Spanish then go for it, you can always switch and your chances of picking up the language are so much better with a family. The homestays are also a little bit out of the way of the city making it hard to enjoy nightlife in the city because of the metro hours. However, just look into the night bus hours and you're golden. Academics: All of my classes were extremely interesting with amazing teachers. They were less demanding than my classes in the States, but overall really good! Living Situation: My host mom was incredibly stingy with us and sometimes it felt like we were trapped in our room because she would question us if we left, but she was very nice and I enjoyed her. Plus, it helped so much with my Spanish.

Barcelona is the best city to study abroad in, I went to many other cities throughout Europe and everyone I met was envious that I got to study and live in Barcelona. Endless fun things to do as well as things to see. Academics: Provide more information about classes before enrollment Health and Safety: As long as you're not an idiot you're fine. Don't buy drugs from random Pakistanis, don't be alone late at night in Raval. Other than that I was alone walking home at night many times and never felt threatened ever. Social Life: Met amazing people everytime I went out, don't be afraid to talk to random people, everyone likes to practice their English. The anti-American sentiment isn't real unless you're that typical arrogant and ignorant American. Keep an open mind, Europeans think differently than Americans since they are not nearly as entitled as Americans.

I loved it! Had an amazing time! Met great people! Staff was super friendly and very helpful:) Academics: Professors were great! Wish there were more business courses. Living Situation: Absolutely lived my host family:) great experience! Program Administration: Very helpful!:) Social Life: Met great people at my school

Best experience of my life. Barcelona is beautiful.

I'm happy with my overall study abroad experience. Barcelona is an amazing city and I loved experiencing the Catalan culture. Homestay was the greatest decision, I loved my host mom and her son was very nice. The house was great even though I was in a barrio a bit far from everything. UAB wasn't what I was expecting but I loved my teachers and getting to know my classmates from all over the world. Being at UAB, I wasn't in contact with the directors of CIS on a daily basis which had its good sides and bad sides. A draw back was that I didn't get to know them as well as I had wished or thought I would but something I saw as a perk was that I felt very independent here and more integrated into the culture all the while with them a phone call away. Living Situation: I had the BEST HOST MOM EVER. A big room with a big balcony to myself, and amazing food. It was a little far from the center of Barcelona but totally worth it!