Creative Writing Study Abroad Programs in Barcelona, Spain

I graduated from high school a semester early, and the only way I wanted to spend my semester was by being abroad. I've known about Semester at Sea for around 6 years and I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. I searched up the requirements to be accepted and luckily fit all the requirements most importantly being 18, so immediately I applied. I then got an email back the next morning saying I got accepted into the program and that email brought me to tears in the middle of one of my classes. I couldn't wait to board the MV World Odyssey and embark on this journey of a lifetime. On the ship, I gained so much knowledge about different cultures and I was able to be fully immersed in them, not just sticking to the touristy things offered. Semester at Sea does an amazing job keeping the students' safety in country as a priority with having mandatory “Pre-Port meetings” the night before arriving in a country, and offering field programs which are ship run excursions with ship faculty leading them. The community on the ship was nothing I have ever experienced before. We were so close knit and it felt like I was truly in a connected, caring, and welcoming environment. I met the people I never imagined I'd connect with, and they ended up becoming the best connections I've ever made with people. Semester at Sea also helped me get out of my comfort zone which led me to have experiences I would have never imagined I'd have, best example being running a half marathon in Vigo, Spain even though I'm not a runner and have never been a runner. Semester at Sea has given me the world and the opportunity to appreciate it to its fullest. I left the ship with my passport full, but my heart is even fuller with people, memories, and connections I will forever cherish. Semester at Sea was truly the best experience I have ever had and would recommend it to anyone as it was life changing.

One of the most underrated aspect of semester at sea is the ship campus itself. Being able to live so close to your friends and just walking a few flight of stairs to your classroom and being able to sit down with your professors for lunch is such an amazing experience. It's eternal sunsets, it's endless travel stories from your friends, it's lifetime of memories. Highly recommend. One of the best decisions I made. And still day dream about this experience, still talk and travel to meet my SAS friends 4 years later.

I have not experienced anything like semester at sea before, therefore giving me a whole lot of different lenses to look at the world with. I completely enjoyed my experience and understand the importance of understanding others concerns, communication, communities, and countries. A overall wonderful experience that has changed my views as well as the way I live and who I am as a person.

I had a really good experience with Forum-Nexus overall. The program gave me the chance to travel a lot, meet great people, and learn more about different countries in a way that felt interesting and personal. I liked that the staff was friendly and helpful, and the hotels were some of the best I’ve stayed in. Some visits were better than others, but the overall balance of academics, free time, and cultural experiences made the program worth it. I’d recommend it to other students, especially if they want to make friends and grow through travel.

This summer abroad program was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as an undergraduate.” “It was thoughtfully organized, with a great balance of academics, cultural exploration, professional visits, and enough independence to grow on my own.” “The instructors were engaging, knowledgeable, and encouraged real discussion, which made classes feel useful beyond the classroom.” “I especially liked being able to connect what we learned to our travels.” “The staff was welcoming and supportive throughout, and I’d absolutely recommend the program to other students.

Barcelona did not feel like a classroom with walls. It felt like a city that quietly taught me how to see, listen, and live differently. My study abroad experience in the summer of 2025 unfolded not through lectures alone, but through streets warmed by sunlight, conversations half-spoken in different languages, and moments of discovery that could never be scheduled. Academically, learning in Barcelona was inseparable from the city itself. Museums, plazas, and neighborhoods became extensions of the curriculum. Studying art, architecture, and urban culture while standing inside their physical context gave every concept weight and texture. Gaudí’s buildings were no longer images in a book—they were experiences shaped by light, movement, and time. History felt alive, layered into the pavement beneath my feet. Culturally, Barcelona taught me the value of ease. Life moved with intention but without urgency. Meals were slow, conversations unhurried, and public spaces designed for gathering rather than rushing through. Navigating daily life in Spanish—and occasionally Catalan—pushed me beyond comfort and into awareness. Each interaction, no matter how small, became a lesson in patience, humility, and connection. Outside of class, the city shaped my independence. I learned to trust observation over instruction, curiosity over certainty. Walking through El Born, the Gothic Quarter, and Eixample revealed how architecture influences human behavior, how design holds memories, and how cities tell stories through form and rhythm. Even the moments of uncertainty became opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Most importantly, Barcelona shifted my relationship with learning. It reminded me that education does not only happen when answers are given, but when questions are allowed to linger. Creativity, I realized, is deeply rooted in place—in how people live, gather, and respond to the world around them. Studying abroad in Barcelona in the summer of 2025 was not just an academic experience; it was a quiet reorientation of perspective. I left with sharpened interests, a deeper sense of independence, and a lasting understanding of what it means to learn with openness. Barcelona did not simply host my studies—it reshaped the way I move through the world.

Studying abroad, especially in Barcelona through this program, brought me to see a new lifestyle and part of the world I probably would ot have been able to see in any other way. The opportunity to live in another country for months on end, without having to worry about paying bills, a job, or any real-world responsibilities, is why studying abroad during college is so vital and the best time to do so. Barcelona provided me with immense opportunities to explore other countries seamlessly, as Barcelona is easily connected ot many other countries in Europe and Northern Africa. On top of that, API was extremely helpful, as they provided me with numerous opportunities to meet other students and participate in popular excursions in Barcelona that I may not have planned for myself. It was also very calming to know there was a team of people behind me who I could connect with if I had any troubles, as living in a whole new country can be so intimidating.

I believe if any student can participate in this program, they should take real advantage of it. They offer a lot of subjects, Economics, Art, Business, Culture, Design, Sociology, History, Political Science. The knowledge one gain is massive and in a lot of disciplines. I am really happy to participate the connections i made is totally worth it. Forum Nexus staff are very knowledgeable, they know what they are doing. not to mention that they are easily approachable and always prepared for any problems could occur.

My time with Forum-Nexus was fast-paced, exciting, and educational. It was the perfect mix of classes, studying, sight-seeing, socializing, and learning first-hand. I learned a lot from the International IQ class and it prepared me to visit each city on the itinerary. My hospitality internship allowed to me communicate and network with the international hotels and restaurants we stayed at and visited. Forum-Nexus allowed me to step-up and take advantage of being abroad.

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.

During my time abroad I learned more about the world, myself and what i'm capable of than ever before. This was by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done and not a day goes by where I don't miss it. Ive made the best friends I could ever ask for, had some of the best food in my life, seen the most beautiful architecture and learned so much history about other regions its amazed me. I learned how to navigate new environments all on my own in countries where English was not a first language. Ive grown so much independently and mentally from this and will take it with me in my future success! For anyone that is on the fence about going abroad I strongly encourage that you won't regret it, the worst part about abroad for me was having to leave a place that I quickly called home!

Joining Forum-Nexus was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Traveling across Europe while taking classes gave me a unique blend of academic learning and cultural immersion. Every city brought new perspectives, professional visits helped me understand international business at a deeper level, while group activities and friendships made the journey even more memorable. The program pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me adaptability, teamwork, and global awareness. I left with stronger career skills, a network of friends from around the world, and countless memories that I’ll cherish forever.

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 just studied abroad with SAS in spring of 2025. To say this experience changed my life would be an understatement. I cannot recommend this enough. The learning opportunities are amazing, the staff and faculty do everything they can to make this your home away from home, and the traveling experiences are ONCE IN A LIFETIME!

When I completed Semester At Sea in the fall of 2024, it was my first time traveling over seas. Growing up going on cruise’s I was super excited to start this new journey on the floating campus. Going in knowing no one else I was nervous but soon felt so welcomed, the community on the ship is amazing. Getting to travel the world with other college kids that have the same interest as you is such a wonderful experience. The professors and other staff members are there to make your learning come to life and it was magical to watch that happen, exploring your learning in each country was eye opening. Not only getting to explore a country but 10 countries allowed for a broad variety of cultures that we get to dive into and explore was so rewarding. I would 1000% go on Semester At Sea again and would recommend it to everyone if you’re deciding to study abroad.

I don’t even know where to begin! Semester at Sea was truly a life-changing experience. There’s no other program where you can see so many different places in a single semester. For example, I visited 10 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe, experiencing diverse cultures and meeting people from all over the world. Semester at Sea also gives you incredible freedom: while docked, you can join field programs or explore each country independently. Through this journey, I not only learned about the world but also about myself. I became more independent, more confident, and gained a global perspective that has completely changed the way I see the world.

Semester at Sea was truly the most enriching and inspiring experience of my life. It was invaluable being exposed to so many beautiful cultures, connecting with students, faculty, and staff from around the world, and learning that the world is so vast and yet so interconnected. Because of SAS, I am a more empowered, empathetic, and curious person—and I will forever be grateful for my voyage.

Semester at Sea was by far the best experience I’ve ever decided to do in college! I got to travel to places that I never thought I would visit in my lifetime while also taking college courses. I also created so many lifelong friendships that I will cherish forever.

Studying abroad with Semester at Sea was hands down the best semester of my life. I had the chance to travel the world, meet amazing people, and experience so many different cultures (all of which helped me grow in ways I never expected). Every stop along the way challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and grow in ways a classroom never could. If you’re looking for a sign to just commit and do it, this is it. You won’t regret it!

Almost three years ago, I decided to apply for SAS and give this once far-fetched idea a try. As I covered logistics with my study abroad office, watched tons of videos about it, and read every handbook I could find, I thought I had it all figured out. But little did I know what would await. From newfound confidence in social situations, I learned many life skills, that have had a significant impact in personal growth. Today, whenever people ask me how my semester at sea was, I give them the biggest smile I can and attempt to summarize an experience that no words will ever do justice. I use adjectives like “amazing” and “life-changing” to describe something that was truly more than that. The thought of what this program was and what it did for me brings back so many memories, and I can’t even begin to describe them all in just 30 seconds. I instantly think of the daily bing bong announcements, Berlin story times, and never knowing what day of the week it was. Semester at Sea wasn’t just studying abroad, and traveling the world with some awesome friends. It was an experience built with challenges that translated to how I now view the world, and to me, that’s one of the greatest beauties of this program.