IES Abroad Barcelona – Liberal Arts & Business

Studying abroad in Barcelona with IES Abroad was an incredible experience. The program was well-organized, with helpful staff, engaging classes, and great opportunities to explore the city and Catalan culture. I lived in an apartment with other students, which gave me a lot of independence while still feeling supported. Barcelona was the perfect place to study — beautiful, lively, and full of history, food, and festivals. IES offered fun excursions and cultural activities that helped me connect with the city beyond the classroom. I also had time to travel on weekends, which made the semester even more exciting. Overall, I came back more confident, independent, and globally aware. I’d highly recommend this program to anyone looking to study abroad in Spain!

My time in Barcelona was single handedly one of the best experiences of my entire life. I got to meet lifelong friends and got to explore places that I never imagined I would have ever visited. I would recommend it for anyone and everyone.

I had such a great time in Barcelona. It was awesome to come to Europe for the first time. Barcelona was a great choice for a home base. It was easy to travel out of Barcelona to get to other destinations in Europe. I enjoyed the location of the IES buildings as well. The metro was a great option for commuting to school every day. I really enjoyed staying in the Social Hub, which was a residence hall choice. Overall I would highly recommend this program.

I had an amazing time studying in Barcelona during the Spring 2023 semester. A ton of preparation happens before you even board a plane to study abroad, and IES was extremely helpful in this process. Info sessions, advisor meetings, and thorough emails all took place in the months leading up to my abroad experience. Once I was in Barcelona, I had a ton of resources to make sure I was comfortable and enjoying my time abroad. One thing about IES that other programs do not offer are the multitude of events and experiences available to students. Weekend trips, fun local excursions, and opportunities to connect with other students in the program were constant. In addition, we were still given plenty of freedom and encouragement to travel and explore Barcelona on our own. Overall, I was able to visit so many cool places and made more new friends than I ever could have imagined.

From the beaches to the mountains and everything in between, over the last four months I spent traveling, learning, exploring, and taking in every aspect of Barcelona and its culture. Although my trip started out rough; landing without luggage, knowing no one, jet-lagged, and classes starting the very next day, in no time at all, Barcelona became one of my absolute favorite places. Having the opportunity to live and learn abroad is one that I am always grateful for and so I strongly encourage others to try to do so as well. On my program with IES Abroad, I not only met the best Spanish teacher I have ever had, but also was able to meet so many cool people that I eventually traveled all throughout Europe, Africa, and the UK with. I also had the opportunity to take classes at other universities such as Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, and Universitat Ramon Llull where I took courses like Start-Up Creation, International Marketing, Finance, and Producing a Sitcom. These classes allowed me to meet students from all around the world and gain a new perspective on my studies while working with all my Spanish professors. My favorite part of my classes was when I directed a Sitcom scene that my peers and I created. It was hectic to be in charge of everything and everybody, but satisfying seeing everyone work together to create something amazing. Barcelona reinforced my passion for travel and love for learning about new cultures. To live in a Spanish-speaking country after learning Spanish for 7 years and actually getting the opportunity to use my skills daily was an incredible feeling. IES Abroad helped me accomplish more than I ever thought I could by giving me the opportunity to do all this! If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this whole experience, it’s that, as cheesy as it sounds, the world is so big, and I want to keep exploring it.

It definitely sounds cliche, but my time abroad changed me as a person. Beginning to prepare to go abroad can be quite overwhelming and somewhat daunting, at least I felt this way. Ever since I was younger I knew I wanted to go abroad but my desire to go to Spain came about in my senior year of high school. I wanted to immerse myself in the culture and live in a large city, so I chose Barcelona. I took extremely interesting classes during my time abroad at IES as well as UAB and was able to learn a lot more about globalization and different cultures through my classes. Having the opportunity to live in Barcelona was incredible. I adjusted quickly to taking the metro everywhere, finding new places to explore everyday. There is always something happening in the city so there is no time to be bored. I loved how I could escape the bustling city by going to a park or even the beach. I love being outdoors so having the beach right there was a big plus for me! Barcelona is also very central which made it extremely easy to travel to other places via train or plane. I learned so much abroad about people, life, culture, and relationships. I also was inspired by a new career path while I was abroad and am now pursuing that which I am very excited about!! If the chance to go abroad comes my way again I don’t think I will think twice about it. I cannot say enough about my experience abroad, it was truly life changing.

My study abroad experience in Barcelona is undoubtedly one of the best experiences I’ve had as an undergraduate student. I loved every part of it- from exploring a vibrant city rich with culture, amazing sites and delicious food, the warm hospitality of my host parents, the education from my IES program to being able to immerse myself in a second language. When I first arrived, my Spanish language skills were at a lower intermediate level and I had never lived so far away from home before. However, by the end of this program, my language skills had accelerated to an advanced level and I was very comfortable navigating Barcelona and very open to making new connections. I feel very lucky that I was matched with such wonderful host parents who were very kind to me. I enjoyed the food, conversations, and advice shared with me by my host mom. I would tell her about my day, ask for recommendations about places to go and we would even talk about fashion! My host dad was very funny and was always ready to answer questions I had about history or politics regarding Spain. I am very pleased with how my study abroad experience turned out and would definitely recommend it!

From improving my Spanish to exploring the Catalan culture, my experience at IES Barcelona was nothing short of amazing. IES made it easy for students like myself to explore the city as well as other cities and countries nearby. My classes were all engaging and the professors came from various backgrounds. I also did an internship which helped me explore a potential career path. This immersive program has taught me a lot about myself and I am forever grateful for having had the opportunity to study in such a dynamic city.

My time in Barcelona was very fun and a great learning experience. I spent a lot more time in class and doing homework than I had expected, however, I loved the content that I was learning about in the courses that I was taking. The classes that IES offered were very diverse and interesting and no matter what your major is, there is a class for you. My favorite class was "Science and Society" and "Mediterranean Environment," both taught by the same, amazing professor. These classes helped me understand more about Spain, Europe, specifically the Mediterranean. I was able to spend a lot of time relaxing in my room and exploring the city. IES allows you to have as much downtime as you want but they also offer a lot of programs that you can get involved with so the entire experience is really what you make of it. The experiences that I had with IES were very memorable and personal. I felt like most of the staff knew who I was and the things that I was involved in. Everyone has the same opportunities through IES and you will get the most out of your experience if you partake in these opportunities or make some of your own. I would go back and do it all over again if I could.

It is difficult to describe how incredible and impactful my program was because so much of what made it amazing was the feeling you had being there. In terms of academics, IES offered a wide variety of classes which allowed me to explore new subjects that are not offered in my university. From classes on banditry and mafias to Spanish architecture to dialogues on difference for many current topics, there really was something for everyone. The social life was also incredible. I met most of my good friends at the IES discoverIES that they designed which were also amazing ways to get active and surf, go to wine tastings and cooking classes, and get more comfortable with the city. They also did a great job of cultural immersion where you either live in dorms with people from around the world, live in an apartment with a BCC (Barcelona cultural companion), or in a homestay where you live with a local. Overall, it was the most amazing experience of my life and I truly encourage people to go on this program but also keep and open mind and do not be scared to adventure!

I highly recommend the IES program. The staff works diligently to make you feel comfortable, while the teachers challenge your current way of thinking through their curriculum. The assignments were more focused on learning than challenging the student to pass tests, turn in homework, etc., yet it was still engaging. I did not study at a partnering university, but I had many friends who did and enjoyed it thoroughly. Some of the partnering schools are a little far from IES, so keep that in mind when registering. The classes were with other international students, not locals, but the classes were on a similar level to IES courses. If you would like to take classes outside of IES I think that would be a great experience, but if you stayed with the IES classes that would be perfectly fine as well. I adored my homestay parents. They were extremely kind, and it was nice having the option of a home cooked meal. Especially at the end of the semester, it is really nice to have food you don't have to buy or shop for. It can get very expensive buying groceries, especially if you are not someone who cooks and shops for yourself often. The one thing about homestay is that you have less freedom than people living in the apartments or dorms. If you have a good relationship with your host parents you might want to let them know where you are staying if not at the house, if you are coming home for dinner/breakfast, etc. All in all, this was not a problem for me, and I went out often. It is just something to keep in mind.

When you travel anywhere, there is only so much that words can do to describe your experience, if you weren't there you'll never fully understand.With that being said, I will still try my absolute best to describe to you my experience. Studying and interning in Barcelona, Spain was life changing, to say the very least. Not only was I adapting to a new culture and language, meeting new people, learning new things and seeing new sights, but I gained a new perspective on life overall. One of the biggest take aways I got from Spain was, "if something is different, it does not have to be better or worse, it is just different". That is a perspective that changed my entire view of life and I took back with me to the States. IES and their staff truly brought that quote meaning to life in everyday class settings, field trips, excursions or just conversations. My experience and time in Spain was only as amazing as it was, due to IES. The support staff prior to my departure were very helpful, but once I got there it was phenomenal. IES does an amazing job at truly immersing you into Spanish culture. There are so many informational and cultural excursions you can go to, language assistance and even personal-life support. Anything you can think about potentially needing while living in a foreign country, IES has you covered and then some. I never felt alone or unsafe due to the supportive staff at IES. I am so grateful to have chosen a program that truly cares about the students in the program and the outcome of their experience and future. I would recommend this program to any and everybody and I promise you I am not getting paid or any incentive to say this. If you want more details about my experience abroad please feel free to email me at: [email protected].

I had such an amazing experience studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain last semester. IES not only made pre-departure easy, they also were extremely accommodating while I was actually there. I lived in an apartment in the city center and had awesome roommates (that I met upon arrival)! The school itself was also in the middle of the city, my daily walk to class was breathtaking. In between classes I had time to go explore the city, walk to the beach, meet up with friends, and fully immerse myself in the new culture. I think everyone should embrace studying abroad, especially in a city as amazing as Barcelona!!

Going abroad it’s hard to know exactly what to expect; however, IES Abroad makes the process easy and smooth. I was able to accomplish all my goals and interests while abroad. I was able to take 15 credits that transferred directly to my home institution and participate in an marketing internship while living with an amazing host mother. Through out my time abroad, I had the opportunity to travel and dive into the Spanish and Catalan cultures which is exactly what I was looking for. Study Abroad is your journey so choose wisely and go with a program that fits your dreams, I know that's why I chose IES Abroad. Feel free to contact me about my time in Barcelona!

IES exceeded all expectations. The pre-departure information IES provided answered all of my questions and calmed any remaining nerves. My family received correspondence before, during and after my journey including information on my re-adaptation to living in the US after such an unforgettable time away. The apartments that my friends and I were assigned to by IES were all in great locations with everything that we could possibly need for daily life. We were all assigned a local student to live in our apartment to teach us first-hand about Barcelona life as well as help us with any issues we may run into. Barcelona offers anything and everything that one could possibly want in a city in which to spend a semster abroad. I fell in love with the culture, the people, the food, the architecture, and grew so much more comfortable with the language. My favorite aspect of the city is the countless neighborhoods to explore that all have extremely different vibes. The public transportation made for seamless exploration and felt extremely safe as well as easy to navigate. While in Barcelona, I never felt unsafe or uneasy about my surroundings. It's prime location makes travel throughout Europe easy and manageable. Above all, IES provided me with all of the resources I needed regarding learning to live in a country so dissimilar to my own. IES is located in the heart of the city, and provided us with excellent class choices, study spaces, and academic resources. My favorite part of the scholastic aspect of studying abroad was the relevancy of the course material. I felt that I learned material in class that would help me to thrive in my time abroad as well as further understand the beautiful country of Spain.

My experience studying abroad with IES Abroad was seamless and immersive. I lived with a host mother, who I still remain in contact with. Within my first few weeks I ventured out in the city with IES led programs - such as a tour of La Boqueria market. I noticed myself falling more in love with Barcelona throughout the semester. It’s a ginormous city, yet it was so easy to navigate on foot, and IES provided us with all the best resources to find out way around. Another huge component of studying abroad is the actual studying. The resources, study spaces, professor interactions and overall course material was extremely beneficial. I loved how fun the professors made the courses, as well as the new knowledge I gained.

Throughout my college years I was never set on studying abroad. I was always a homebody and choose to go to a college that was close to my hometown. However, last minute I decided to submit my application for IES Abroad Barcelona and follow through with the journey. It was hands down the best decision I have made in my life. Barcelona has it all: endless history, great sites to see, amazing beaches, and a fun night-life. It is a place where you can never stop exploring. The streets are magical and the city is filled with welcoming natives. This city made me feel as home. My program, IES Abroad Barcelona, made me feel at home. I met new people from my program. These people who where once new faces are my best friends today. The staff and professors at IES Abroad Barcelona will do everything in their power to make sure you are getting the most out of studying abroad. While they still have expectations, they understand that you will be taking time to travel and explore the world. I am so happy with my experience and I know you will not regret it if you choose IES Abroad Barcelona- Liberal Arts & Business as you study away program!

I have never thought about I will be able to go visit Barcelona in a much more meaningful way. Being able to visit my dream city for honeymoon (such a girly dream, but it's true) as a student is way more fun than just a tourist for 3-5days. I get to stay with a homestay that do not speak English, which helps me improve my body language and Spanish quite a lot. I have no experience in Spanish at all before going. But during those two months, I can at least have some small conversation with others. I tried so many things while I am there, food, city life, night life, and more importantly is being able to figure things out by yourself like an independent adult. I also use one of the weekend to go visit Belgium with the friends I made there. However, while having tons of fun there, we also study a lot as well, which is pretty nice for someone want to get some extra credit for school. It's really nice that I can study and play at the same time in a foreign country, and still can be able to get credits. I also made a tons of international friends there as well, I think that enrich me a lot more as a student since I get to communicate with them and know about different culture and opinions. In addition, throughout the journey, I realized that I found myself or discovered a lot of things "about me". Overall, the whole experience just amazing. Even when I was sick for couple weeks, there are teachers, staff or other resources that you can use. I would definitely go again with IES. LOVE IT!!!!

I studied abroad spring of 2017 in Barcelona, Spain, and I could not recommend a program more! From enthusiastic and helpful staff to simply being in an upbeat city, it truly elevated my undergrad experience. Although academics may be surprisingly difficult to students, there was plenty of time to immerse yourself in the culture of the city and also to Travel! The program also created opportunities for students to meet and travel with other students, as well as explore important aspects of the city! Additionally, I never spoke Spanish before this semester, which turned out totally fine, but also allowed me to learn a lot of another language in a relatively short time! If I could do it again I would definitely pick IES Abroad Barcelona.

My time in Barcelona through IES Abroad was absolutely phenomenal. I was looking to study abroad but as a rehabilitation psychology major, I worried that I would not be able to find a program that fit such an uncommon major. However, with the IES Liberal Arts program in Barcelona, I was able to complete classes that counted toward my major. I hadn't been abroad before either, but after I got there and saw how beautiful the city was and the people there waiting to welcome me, I had no worries at all. I had a host mom and lived in an apartment in Lesseps, a beautiful neighborhood near Parc Guell. She helped me practice my Spanish and become acquainted with the city. My classes at IES were conveniently located right in the center of the city (Placa de Catalunya). I was also able to take a class at Universitat de Barcelona as well, taught by a local Spanish teacher. I only had a little Spanish before coming to this program, so I took all my classes in English-- but by the time I left, my Spanish had improved tremendously. IES also offered subsidized programs as well, which I highly recommend! I was so surprised at how many students did not take advantage of those Friday or weekend trips. They plan day outings or full weekend trips for you to go on, and you only pay a subsidized fee for the entire thing-- you don't even need to lift a finger for planning. All in all, I highly recommend studying abroad Barcelona. It is an experience that will open up new experiences for you and allow you to grow and mature in ways that aren't possible at your home campus. Studying abroad is an experience that gives you so many opportunities that you wouldn't be able to have otherwise. If you're considering study abroad, I can't recommend this program and city highly enough. It's a memory of my life that I treasure every single day.