The Ultimate Guide to Study Abroad in Barcelona
If you are in college looking to study abroad, Barcelona is a great city to consider for your semester overseas.
Why, you ask? I may be a little biased because I, personally, studied abroad in Barcelona, but it’s easy to navigate, english is widely spoken, and there is lots to do. Also, most, if not all, colleges should offer a study abroad program to Spain. I went with CIEE, but there are so many others. And whether its Madrid, Seville, Barcelona, etc you will have opportunities to explore other cities regardless of your main spot.
What is great about study abroad is you are never alone. Even if you are traveling alone or are the only one from your university, you are still traveling with a program that has some responsibility to help you out. When you first arrive at the airport there will be someone waiting for you for orientation to discuss things like where you will be staying and cultural norm which is why I think study abroad is perfect for first time Europe exposure for young adults.
In this guide you will find my dining and attraction recommendations where I felt comfortable going during my time in study abroad in Barcelona, enjoy!
Where to eat in Barcelona
Barcelona is a large city, so the chances that you are staying in the same area I did are possible, but slim. That being said, it is also pretty easy to get across the city using the metro system.
If you love food, like me, then you are going to want to try everything. And good news, Barcelona has a little bit of it all.
When I was abroad I tried to spend an equal amount of time going out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (You are also going to buy your own food at the grocery store, or you definitely should). I do not discriminate from any food or any meal. You shouldn’t either 😉
Next, what to do in Barcelona
Traveling to a country that you have never visited before means everything will interest you, as it should.
Barcelona is a very busy city with so much to do. Whether you want to be out and about all day, or need some time to relax, there are so many different ways to plan your trip.
It’s hard to plan your whole study abroad experience, so I recommend having an idea of where you want to explore and checking them off as you go.
Barcelona is also a decently warm city. I was there in the winter, and it was an average of 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Barcelona Nightlife
College is a time of discovering who you are, want you want, and having fun! Study abroad is all that x 10.
I guarantee you will want to go out while you are studying abroad, and you go girl! Put on that new skirt from Zara and dance the night away with your new besties.
There will be plenty of time for rest because experiencing the Barcelona nightlife is inevitable. This is the time where you will really get to mingle with the locals. (Be safe of course!)
So, you’re all set for your trip to Barcelona?
Not quite!
After traveling abroad to Barcelona for the very first time I made a list of small, but important, things to know before you get off the plane.
It is a good idea to be prepared before you go to a different country. There will be different customs, morals, and rules that you will have to adapt to, or be shunned. (Jk, but still good to know).
I was very open to new experiences and the Barcelona life, so should you!
Ok, now that’s it!
I hope you feel a little more prepared for this new journey in your life, but don’t worry I promise it will be one you won’t regret!