Science Study Abroad Programs

Coming to the American University of Beirut from the Kurdistan Region was a big step for me. Like anyone moving to another country, I had so many questions. What would studying in Lebanon be like? Would I find my people? Would I feel at home? Looking back, I can say that my experience at AUB turned out to be much more than I expected. Studying Nutrition and Dietetics taught me a lot, not only about my field but also about how to think, question things and look at problems from different perspectives. There were opportunities to get involved in research, explore subjects beyond my degree and connect what we learned in class to things happening in the real world. One of the things I appreciated most was being surrounded by people with different backgrounds and experiences. I learned just as much from the people I met as I did from my courses. But honestly, some of my favorite memories have very little to do with academics. Moving to Lebanon meant figuring out how to live independently, adjusting to a different culture and building a life away from my family. AUB brought together people from so many different places, and somewhere along the way, a place that was once completely unfamiliar started to feel like home. The friendships, long conversations, spontaneous plans and even the ordinary days on campus are things I still look back on fondly. AUB also gave me opportunities I probably wouldn't have imagined before coming to Lebanon. Through the MEPI Tomorrow's Leaders Program, I was able to explore new interests, meet people from different backgrounds and take part in experiences that pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. These opportunities helped me grow in ways that went beyond my education. Of course, living abroad wasn't always easy. There were days when I missed home, days when things felt overwhelming, and moments when I had to figure things out on my own. But I think those experiences were just as important as the good ones. If I could tell future international students one thing, it would be to come with an open mind and not be afraid of what you don't know yet. Give yourself time to adjust, say yes to opportunities, meet people outside your usual circles and enjoy the little things along the way. You might arrive with a certain plan, but leave with experiences and friendships you never expected. For me, AUB was never just about getting a degree. It was about finding my independence, discovering new possibilities, and growing into a person I hadn't quite imagined when I first arrived. And for that, I'll always be grateful.

I really like my time abroad. The school is very organised and teachers seems like they enjoy their work! The structure is a lot of participation without computers, which means that we learn more in general.

Studying abroad at UAB in Barcelona has truly been one of the highlights of my college experience! From the moment I arrived, I fell in love with the city, its culture, and the opportunity to experience a completely different way of life. The program offers a great balance between academics and exploring everything Barcelona has to offer. I especially loved taking courses that gave me a more international perspective while learning about Catalan culture and traditions. Being able to travel throughout Europe on weekends, meet people from different backgrounds, and immerse myself in a new environment has helped me grow so much personally and academically. Barcelona is the perfect city for studying abroad, with incredible food, beautiful architecture, amazing weather, and something new to discover every day. I am so grateful for this experience and would recommend UAB to anyone considering studying abroad. It has been a semester I will never forget!

I went from Osnabrück, Germany, to Barcelona for my semester abroad, and now that I am halfway through my experience, I can already say that it has been one of the most exciting and unforgettable chapters of my life. At the beginning, planning everything felt quite overwhelming. Since I had never done anything like this before, it was difficult to know what to expect, how to organise everything and what I needed to prepare for. Of course, there was also some anxiety. Moving to a completely new city on your own, without knowing anyone, can feel intimidating at first. The first few days in Barcelona were truly overwhelming in the best possible way. It almost felt unreal that I was suddenly going to live in this amazing city for several months. Barcelona has such a special atmosphere. It is the perfect mix of beautiful beaches, relaxing spots, art, culture, and endless things to discover. I quickly realised how much there was to explore and that there was always something happening. Every weekend brings new activities, events and opportunities to experience the city. One of the things I love most is how easy it is to explore places outside Barcelona. There are so many beautiful destinations nearby that are perfect for day trips or weekend getaways. I have visited Blanes, with its beautiful beaches, as well as Sitges and Montserrat. One of my personal highlights so far was renting a car with a few girls I had met and driving to L’Estartit, which is well known for its diving spots. We booked a snorkelling trip there, and it was absolutely beautiful. Experiences like these make my time abroad even more special. Another thing I learned very quickly is that you are never really alone on an exchange semester. At first, you might feel like you are the only person arriving in a new city without knowing anyone. But the truth is that so many other students are in exactly the same situation. Everyone is looking to meet new people, make friends and discover their new surroundings. You just have to take the first step and be brave enough to approach others. I have already met so many amazing people this way, and some of my favourite memories have come from spontaneous plans and new friendships. Now that I am halfway through my semester abroad, I realise just how much I have already experienced and learned. At the same time, it feels crazy that there is still more to come! I am excited for the next half of my stay, for all the places I have yet to discover, the people I will meet and the memories I will make. My biggest takeaway so far is that going abroad can feel scary at first, but it is absolutely worth stepping outside your comfort zone. You learn so much about yourself, become more independent, meet people from all over the world and discover places you might never have visited otherwise. If you are thinking about going abroad, my advice is simple: take the opportunity, be open to new experiences and don't let the fear of going alone hold you back. You might arrive knowing nobody, but you will soon realise that you are surrounded by people in exactly the same situation. And trust me, the memories and experiences you gain along the way are worth it!

Studying abroad at UAB in Barcelona redefined my college experience. Commuting to the campus, adapting to Catalan culture, and studying with international peers built true independence. UAB gave me lifelong friends and a home abroad

My academic experience at UAB has been very enriching, especially because of the variety of teaching approaches and the opportunities to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world experiences. I particularly appreciate the field visits organized as part of the Business in Action and Creative Economy courses. These experiences allow us to explore how companies and creative industries operate in practice, making the subjects more engaging, tangible, and relevant. I would also like to highlight the teaching methodology in the E-Commerce course. The professor is extremely dedicated and genuinely involved in each group's project, showing great interest in our progress and providing valuable guidance throughout the process. She has also developed an incredible amount of learning material that is both comprehensive and well-structured, making the learning experience much more engaging and effective. Overall, I really value the practical approach, the professors' dedication, and the opportunities to learn beyond traditional classroom lectures. These aspects have made my academic experience at UAB particularly positive and meaningful.

I really enjoyed my experience studying abroad in Barcelona. Throughout my time here, I developed a much greater appreciation for the city, its people, and Catalan culture. Living in Barcelona allowed me to immerse myself in a different way of life, explore new places, and gain a better understanding of local traditions and customs. I especially enjoyed experiencing the city's unique atmosphere, food, and culture. Overall, studying abroad was an incredibly rewarding experience that helped me grow personally, become more independent, and make memories that I will carry with me long after leaving Barcelona.

world strides made it possible to cost effectively go abroad and still live with my friends from my home university. the staff are super supportive and helpful on site as well as preparing for the journey.

This semester has been far and away the greatest three months of my life and I am thrilled to still have six weeks left. The professors are where it all starts, accommodating every single student and their needs. They seek feedback and make a clear effort to teach in a style that appeals to all of their students. Furthermore, I love how all of the topics and case studies in class relate to what is actually going on in the world. This makes class engaging and something I look forward to rather than a bland, scripted lecture from a textbook. The most important reason I recommend UAB as the best choice for study abroad is how much mutual respect their is between teachers and students. Teachers consistently inquire about what weekend trips we went on, recommend activities and cuisine in Barcelona, and genuinely want the best for us while all students arrive on time, participate, and come to class ready to learn and grow.

Going abroad to study is one of the best choices I've ever made in my life! I knew when I went to college I wanted to go abroad and had ideas about how fun and amazing it would be but being abroad and experiencing it for real is one of the best things I've done in my life. While I've been abroad I've been able to complete some incredible personal life bucket list goals. Without this abroad experience I can genuinely tell you that If I didn't go abroad I would've never experienced these things. Just as an example for you, I got to see Cristiano Ronaldo play at home in Portugal in the Nations league. In the coming weeks he announced his retirement. Being here, I've met so many amazing people and done so many amazing things I can't even list them all. From doing personal travels to playing with my new college friends in the SAI soccer team, this has been such a great experience and I never want it to end! GO ABROAD! It will change your life and you wont regret it!

The exchange program at the Autonomous University of Barcelona perfectly fits the image I have repeatedly outlined in my maps and ideals. Walking in the green campus, filled with Mediterranean sunshine, every day is a new expansion of academic and cognitive boundaries. Especially in the classroom of Cross Cultural Management, colliding ideas with numerous classmates from Denmark and Germany became the most vivid memory of this journey. The Danish students' persistence in equal communication and team consensus, and the German students' ultimate pursuit of task structure, Gantt chart process, and straightforward feedback, have made cross-cultural theories such as Erin Meyer no longer just concepts in books, but have become real-life and vivid collaborative experiences every day. These subtle touches in academic exploration and daily interactions not only bring different backgrounds closer, but also invisibly shape the way I view the world. This experience broke the boundaries of conventional daily life and allowed me to hear my inner voice clearly in the collision of diverse cultures; this is exactly the breadth and thickness that a dream life should have.

I have learned a lot about myself, gotten new friends and learned to live in a new country by my own. I think Barcelona has been a wonderfull city to choose. Friendly people, very cozy cafés and life like Streets everywhere any day of the week. I would recommend anyone going who might be in doubt - do it!

My one‑semester exchange study at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) has been an invaluable life experience. Nestled in natural surroundings, UAB boasts remarkable ecological diversity. Wild birds and animals can often be spotted around campus, offering fresh air and a peaceful environment ideal for study. The SAF gym is accessible for international exchange students. I took boxing and barbell fitness classes there, which helped me keep fit and relieve academic pressure. The university shows great care for international students. Classes may be suspended in heavy rain, and timely safety alerts will be released in case of social unrest, making us feel secure far away from home. I also gained a lot from distinctive teaching approaches. Professors are dedicated and organize mid‑term exams to reinforce knowledge. Numerous presentation assignments greatly improved my public‑speaking skills. Group‑work projects encouraged cross‑cultural communication with peers from different backgrounds and broadened my horizons. During spare time, I travelled across Spain and other European cities including Milan, Paris, Florence and Rome to experience multiculturalism. This exchange helped me break stereotypes and rediscover myself. I am grateful for all resources UAB provided for international students, which have shaped me into a more open‑minded and confident individual.

My semester at UAB’s Study Abroad Programme in Barcelona was a great experience, both academically and personally. I took five courses at the Sant Pau campus, and the highlight for me was “Behaviour and Incentives in Economics: The Case of Soccer”. It combined economic theory with real-world cases from football in a way I haven’t seen anywhere else, and it fits perfectly with my interest in sports economics. The other courses, like International Business and Understanding the European Economy, also gave me a broader international perspective on topics I knew from my studies back home in Denmark. The Sant Pau campus is a beautiful place to study, and it’s easy to reach from the city. Living in Eixample near the Sagrada Família meant I had everything close by. The international environment made it easy to meet students from all over the world, and Barcelona itself, with its food, culture, football and the beach, made every week memorable. I would definitely recommend UAB to anyone considering a semester abroad. It’s a great mix of interesting courses and an unforgettable city.

My semester abroad at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) has been an amazing experience so far. Living and studying in Barcelona allows me to discover a new culture, meet people from different countries, improve my language skills and experience university life in a different environment. It is also a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and become more independent. This semester, I am taking one Psychology course as well as a Spanish A1 class. One thing I particularly appreciate about UAB is the small class sizes. The atmosphere is much more personal, and our lecturers actually know everyone by name. This makes it easier to participate, ask questions and get to know the other students. My Spanish A1 class is one of the highlights of my semester. Since I am still a beginner, I really appreciate how much time we spend practising conversations. Instead of just learning grammar and vocabulary, we get plenty of opportunities to speak Spanish and use what we have learned. This helps me become more confident when speaking the language. It is also exciting to notice that I can slowly use more Spanish in my everyday life in Barcelona. In my Psychology course, we have quite a lot of presentations. I think this is a useful approach because it allows me to improve my presentation skills and become more confident speaking in front of others. It also encourages me to stay organised, prepare regularly and keep up with my studies throughout the semester. Unfortunately, I cannot transfer the credits from my courses at UAB to my home university in Munich. This is due to the regulations of my private university at home and not because of UAB. However, since I am flying home at the end of December, I can still participate in my exams at my home university, which take place at the end of February. Even though I will not receive credits for my courses in Barcelona, I would make the same decision again without hesitation. Living in another country, experiencing a different university system, improving my Spanish and meeting people from all over the world make this semester incredibly worthwhile. It is an experience that goes far beyond university, and I am very glad I decided to take this opportunity!

I have had the best time studying abroad in Barcelona. The city couldn’t have more to offer and the public transportation is so easy. I have loved all of my professors at the school. They have just made the experience 10 times better.

So much fun so awesome! I had such a great time exploring Barcelona and traveling to other cities. The program was great but my living situation was a shortcoming. Overall such a cool experience and I am so glad I did it!

I am studying this semester at UAB in Barcelona. I am being sponsored by AIFS here in the city. Honestly in terms of of the school, I had no idea I would be at a location of UAB that is only for study abroad students. I wish there was more cultural immersion and I wish I got the opportunity to meet other Spanish students.

Studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, has been one of the most unforgettable and life changing experiences of my college journey. As a first-generation college student, having the opportunity to live and study in another country was something I never imagined I would experience. Through API and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I have been able to immerse myself in a new culture, meet amazing people, and grow in ways I never expected. One of my favorite memories was experiencing La Mercè, Barcelona’s annual festival, which takes place in late September. The city was filled with music, performances, celebrations, and people from all walks of life. It was such an exciting and unexpected moment that reminded me why I wanted to study abroad in the first place: to embrace new experiences and create memories that would last a lifetime. However, my experience wasn’t without challenges. In October, I unexpectedly became very sick and was hospitalized for several days at HM Nou Delfos in Barcelona. Being hospitalized in a foreign country, thousands of miles away from my family, was definitely a scary experience. Thankfully, the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff took excellent care of me. They were attentive, professional, and made sure I received the treatment I needed to recover. Despite the language and cultural differences, I felt supported and cared for throughout my hospitalization. That experience gave me an even greater appreciation for healthcare workers and taught me how to navigate difficult situations independently. Beyond these experiences, studying abroad has allowed me to explore Spain, travel to new places, try different foods, and develop a deeper understanding of cultural differences. My classes in international business and intercultural communication have also helped me connect what I learn academically to real-life experiences. What I appreciate most about this journey is that it hasn’t just been about the exciting moments. It has also been about overcoming challenges, adapting to unfamiliar situations, and discovering how capable I am of handling life on my own. I would highly recommend studying abroad through API to anyone considering it. This experience has given me so much more than college credits. It has given me independence, confidence, new friendships, and memories I will cherish forever. From standing on stage at festivals to overcoming an unexpected hospitalization, Barcelona has taught me that some of the most meaningful experiences come from embracing both the beautiful and challenging moments of life.

This program was amazing. My advisor in Australia was fantastic and really made the trip better- Eugenia!! The day trips offered easy and low stress ways to explore Australia with food and transport all provided. IFSA staff were very open to feedback as well, I always felt heard. The housing was perfect for what it was to me and was in a great location near campus. Overall, I have no complaints.