Study Abroad Programs in Spain

I chose AIFS Abroad because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and experience a new culture through a program that offered support before, during, and after going abroad. I participated in the Barcelona Maymester program in summer 2026, and it was an experience I will always be grateful for. The pre-departure process was stress-free, which made preparing to study abroad feel much less overwhelming. Once in Barcelona, I loved exploring the city, trying new foods, going on excursions, and experiencing everyday life in a new culture. One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was learning to navigate a new city independently, as well as making lasting friendships with the people around me. I got to live in an apartment in the coolest part of the city all while living with my best friends. I was so grateful to be able to go to classes and become so independent in an unfamiliar city. I would recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking to experience a new culture, make lasting memories, meet new people, and grow both personally and professionally.

I had an amazing experience studying abroad in Barcelona! I made tons of new friends and got to do all sorts of amazing activities like visit the Sagrada Familia, watch a game in Camp Nou, eat tapas and so much more! I highly recommend doing this program because you get so much out of it.

Studying abroad in Zagreb, Croatia, was one of the most transformative experiences of my undergraduate journey. As a Biology major on the pre-medical track at Spelman College, I wanted an experience that would challenge me academically, immerse me in a different culture, and allow me to explore medicine beyond the traditional classroom setting. Zagreb gave me all of that and so much more. During my time abroad, I had the opportunity to participate in clinical shadowing at KBC Sestre Milosrdnice, where I spent much of my time observing cardiology and cardiovascular procedures, learning about patient care, and understanding how healthcare professionals collaborate in a hospital setting. One of my most memorable experiences was observing the medical team's response to a complication during a cardiac stent procedure. Witnessing the level of precision, communication, and critical thinking required in that moment strengthened my interest in cardiovascular medicine and helped solidify my aspiration to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. However, my experience was about much more than medicine. Choosing Zagreb was intentional. I wanted to travel somewhere unfamiliar, where I would have to step outside my comfort zone, navigate cultural differences, and become more independent. From learning basic Croatian phrases to exploring the city, connecting with my roommates, and experiencing everyday life in a new country, each day taught me something valuable about adaptability and confidence. As a first-generation college student and a Black woman pursuing a career in medicine, this opportunity also reminded me of the importance of representation and making international experiences accessible to students from all backgrounds. Studying abroad is not limited to students majoring in international studies or foreign languages. STEM students can also find programs that complement their academic interests and professional goals. My advice to anyone considering studying abroad is to research your options, ask questions, and remain open to destinations you may not have initially considered. Some of the most meaningful opportunities come from choosing experiences that challenge your expectations. I returned from Zagreb with more than memories and photographs. I returned with a clearer understanding of the physician I hope to become, greater confidence in my ability to navigate unfamiliar environments, and a deeper appreciation for the global nature of healthcare. If I had the opportunity to choose again, I would choose Zagreb every single time. This experience did not simply allow me to explore another country; it helped me discover a new direction for my future.

The instructions were clear and expanded my understanding of Spanish. The teacher was great and helped with any problems with expertise I made many friends and tge cultural trips added to the overall quality of the program

Expanish responded to this reviewOctober 19, 2026

¡Hola, Barbara! Thank you so much for your comments! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed your time with us and that your classes helped you take your Spanish to the next level. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to your teacher! We hope to see you again soon for another Spanish adventure! ¡Un fuerte abrazo!

Studying abroad in Madrid was a fever dream. I couldn't be more satisfied with my experience. I lived with a host family, and they were the sweetest people ever. They cooked delicious meals for me and made me feel like part of their family. At the IES center, the faculty and staff were so accommodating and willing to help and support me as much as possible. When I was hospitalized, someone from IES came to visit me at the hospital, and my host family stayed with me. This shows how much they truly care about their students and how committed they are to supporting them. They also have an emergency line, which made me feel even safer. Overall, I felt safe, welcomed, and supported, and I was able to fully immerse myself academically and culturally.

My semester abroad in Madrid with AIFS was genuinely one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and I would recommend the program to anyone considering studying abroad! From the beginning, the experience was well organized, and I felt supported throughout my time in Spain. Looking back, I am so grateful I chose AIFS because my semester became so much more than just an opportunity to study in another country. AIFS also offered a great variety of activities that allowed us to experience Spanish culture firsthand. These included tapas dinners, cooking sessions, and trips to beautiful cities like Granada, Toledo, and Segovia. These experiences gave us the opportunity to explore beyond Madrid while creating lasting memories with other students. I would recommend AIFS in a heartbeat! If you are nervous about taking the leap, I encourage you to go for it. My semester in Madrid gave me lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and personal growth that I will carry with me long after returning home. I would do it all over again without hesitation!

Forum-Nexus was incredibly well organized from start to finish. Travel between cities was efficient, and I still had the freedom to explore on my own. The Independent Cultural Visits pushed me to get out and discover each place. Laura did a great job in International Business, and I learned a lot. The teachers and staff were nice and caring, and Adam was the best! It was the adventure of a lifetime, and it showed me I can do new and scary things. I’d recommend it 100%. You won’t experience anything like it.

Studying abroad in barcelona through API was the best experience of my life! I had the freedom to explore a new place and immerse myself in a new culture while also having the security of knowing I had API there to help me if I needed it! The housing was amazing and way nicer than I expected it to be. The program cost itself turned out to be incredibly worth it as it it included housing, multiple cultural excursions, and metro cards for transportation.

My study abroad experience in Seville, Spain was truly unforgettable. I had the opportunity to explore a new culture, meet people from different backgrounds, and experience everyday life in another country. I loved being able to travel around Spain and visit places like Barcelona and Madrid, while also making memories in Seville. Studying abroad helped me become more independent, confident, and open to trying new things. I would definitely recommend studying abroad to other students because it is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life!

Studying abroad in Madrid through WorldStrides was truly the best experience of my life! I learned so much about myself and about the world around me. WorldStrides staff were there with me every step of my process and were so welcoming and inviting. I lived with a host family and they were absolutely wonderful. Nebrija was a great university with the best professors. I'm so grateful for this experience and for WorldStrides help along the way!

The teachers were fabulous! Using games mixed with instruction made learning interesting. I especially enjoyed our assignment of going to the high market across from our hotel. We learned how to order what we wanted, and interviewed the proprietor. Ours was a bull fighter before buying his stall in the market! The cultural activities were fun and the hotel where we stayed was very comfortable.

Expanish responded to this reviewOctober 07, 2026

¡Hola Joanna! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to our teaching team. We hope to welcome you back soon to keep learning and exploring together. ¡Un fuerte abrazo!

The Expanish 50+ study abroad program in Malaga was amazing! The instructors were awesome and made the lessons engaging and fun. The cultural activities were really interesting and allowed for an excellent opportunity to learn about and experience the local history and culture. I highly recommend it!

Expanish responded to this reviewOctober 07, 2026

¡Hola, Dana! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you had such an amazing time on our 50+ study abroad program in Málaga. Thank you for recommending us. That means a lot to our whole team, and we'll be sure to share your kind words with our instructors. We hope to see you back in Málaga soon for another adventure. ¡Un abrazo y hasta pronto!

Barcelona was the best home base ever! So easy to travel to and from on the weekends. So much to do and so many different foods to try. The public transportation system was super convenient and easy to use. Would give advice to future travelers to talk to everyone and make meaningful connections!

I really loved living in Seville for a few months. The architecture is so beautiful, which was my favorite part because there’s not many historical buildings in the Unites States because of how young of a county we are. The food was amazing and the program made me feel more at home in a foreign place. I really loved the nightlife and the social aspect of traveling abroad because it made me feel like I was a part of a community. I would definitely go back to Spain in a heartbeat. I also really loved Portugal, so I would definitely recommend people to visit Europe if they ever get the chance!

While abroad in Madrid I had the opportunity to visit 5 total cities throughout the country along with 4 additional countries. The Worldstides program made this possible by assisting me in selecting the right courses, plan excursions, and support me on all my European adventures!

Going abroad with WorldStrides was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I had so many opportunities to be immersed in the culture, whether it was through weekend trips, events in the city, or simply exploring Barcelona with friends. There was always something new to experience, and I felt like I was able to learn so much outside of the classroom. One of my favorite parts of the program was the freedom to explore Barcelona and other parts of Spain while still having the support of WorldStrides when I needed it. The staff was helpful throughout my time abroad and made the experience much easier, especially when adjusting to living in a new country. The organized activities and trips were also a great way to see places I probably would not have visited on my own. Living in Barcelona gave me the opportunity to experience a completely different lifestyle and culture. I was able to try new foods, meet new people, practice Spanish, and experience what everyday life is like in Spain. I also loved being able to travel to other cities and countries during my time abroad. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. I made some of my best memories, became more independent, and gained a much greater appreciation for other cultures. I would definitely recommend studying abroad with WorldStrides to anyone considering it. It was an amazing experience, and I would do it all over again.

If you get the chance to study abroad with CEA Capa, you should. Participating in Cal Poly's First Year GO Program, and venturing on my own to Sevilla, Spain, was the best choice I could've made. Before I left, I was nervous, unsure, and had never before left the country on my own. With CEA Capa, everything felt do-able. We were welcomed into the city, housed at a very pleasant residence hall, and got to take classes in a beautiful historic building in the city-center. Studying abroad with CEA Capa gave me the opportunity to see the world, immerse myself in Spanish culture, and build a variety of skills that I will carry with me throughout my life.

My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.

My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.

My time in Barcelona was one of the best experiences in my life. Out of all the cities I visited when I was abroad, Barcelona was by far my favorite and I was always so excited to come back from traveling. I loved the people, the metro, the city, and the beach. There was always something going on to have the best time of your life.