ISA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain
- Hosted at: Universidad de Pompeu Fabra / UPF
- Location(s): Barcelona, Spain
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad
International Studies Abroad / ISA
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Barcelona (pop. 1.5 million) is the heart and capital of the region of Cataluña in the northeast corner of Spain. The origin of this Mediterranean city goes back more than 2,500 years and is crucial to the history of Spain and Catalonia - ruled by... read more
All Reviews
I learned a lot about culture and integration. Katherine - Cottey College View Entire Review
I learned about Spanish and Catalan culture and improved my Spanish speaking ability. Caitlin Haug - Oklahoma State University - Stillwater View Entire Review
I gained cultural knowledge of what it is like in other countries, language experience, and I made friends that will last a lifetime. It was absolutely worthwhile. Danielle Young - Lewis-Clark State College View Entire Review
I had previously been abroad with family, but this experience was unlike any other. For the first time, I was forced to do things on my own. There are so many valuable life lessons that I learned from simple things such as finding out where to get the metro card, or learning the metro system. There was no one there to hold your ... Cynthia Villegas - Texas A&M University - College Station View Entire Review
Conner Flick - University of Tulsa View Entire Review
It is just so fascinating to realize not everyone around the world has the same mindset and experiences as you do as a native of Country X, Y or Z. My host grandpa lived through the Spanish Civil War, that's just crazy to hear him talk about a war and later a fascist dictatorship ravaging a Western country. The US is a relativ... Shane D - The College of New Jersey View Entire Review
My abroad experience was amazing. I never thought I would learn so much about myself and the rest of the world in four months. Studying abroad definitely opened up my eyes to how much more the world has to offer than I thought. It was 100 percent worth my time and I wish I could do it all over again. Savanna C - University of Georgia View Entire Review
I learned about different cultures and myself. This experience changed my life and I miss it everyday. Maggie H - Arizona State University View Entire Review
I learned how to value others cultures and differences, and how to make friends with anyone! And mastered a language and found a new way to learn from the school there. Danielle R - University of Arkansas - Fayetteville View Entire Review
It was literally the best thing I have ever done. I fell in love with every aspect of Barcelona from the people, the architecture, museums, beaches, streets ,food, nightlife, to cafes. It was just so incredible. I got extremely lucky with a small program of 25 amazing people and we all got really close. I made really incredible ... Sara L - Barnard College View Entire Review
My experience was incredibly worthwhile. I learned a lot about myself, and what I want from my life. The things that are important to me, and the things that aren't. s v - Western Washington University View Entire Review

I learned so much about appreciating other peoples' cultures and differences. I learned about the value of taking risks, and I learned about how amazing it can be to do things like traveling alone. It was unquestionably worthwhile. Amanda L - Wichita State University View Entire Review
Totally worthwhile would do it again because it made me appreciate other cultures as well as my own. Carmen S - University of Texas - Arlington View Entire Review
I gained confidence meeting new people, trying new foods, navigating new places/systems/activities, and speaking Spanish. It was very fun and relaxed and an interesting change from my home school. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned how to be independent and it was an amazing experience Jocelyn Flores - Oklahoma State University - Stillwater View Entire Review
Every second was worthwhile. I learned so much about different cultures and values. I gained so much confidence, joy, passion for traveling and understanding of what things are like on the other side of the world. Taking classes at an actual university made things so much more worthwhile as well. I got a lot better at Spanish an... Hailey Andersen - Texas A&M University - College Station View Entire Review
I learned how to be independent, became more curious about the world, and nearly gained fluency in a second language. Studying abroad in Barcelona was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I'm so happy I went. A student - Texas A&M University - College Station View Entire Review
It opened my eyes to how different life is outside of the US A student - Kean University View Entire Review
My study abroad experience was the best four months of my life and changed my future for the better! I traveled to Barcelona, Spain with the International Studies Abroad program for the fall semester of my junior year. Barcelona is an exciting, diverse, and welcoming city that steals a part of your heart. I made some of my best ... A student - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University / Virginia Tech View Entire Review
I became more independent throughout my time abroad. I learned how to navigate in a foreign country and the importance of patience. It was difficult to adjust to the foreign culture in the beginning, but it gave me a new appreciation for other cultures. It was definitely worthwhile. A student - University of California - Los Angeles / UCLA View Entire Review
I would go back to Barcelona through ISA in a heartbeat. It was challenging yet exciting and everyday was an adventure. The staff was incredibly helpful and the city of Barcelona simply cannot be beat. Kate T - University of Georgia View Entire Review
Life experiences that taught more than I've learned in my four years here at Michigan. It was truly the one school experience where I know I can apply (life and school lessons) to the rest of my life. It was SO worthwhile. Kelsey F - University of Michigan - Ann Arbor View Entire Review
Yes it was worthwhile. I gained a new perspective on how people live in different parts of the world and how different countries view Americans. shaun.davis.39 - Western University View Entire Review
Going to Barcelona was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I gained a sense of independence that I had never felt before and a passion to explore the world. I would go again in a heart beat. Rachel L - University of Mary Washington View Entire Review

I learned a lot about my independence. I can do anything on my own. It was worthwhile. Jasmine M - Oklahoma State University - Stillwater View Entire Review
About
Barcelona is, for all intents and purposes, now a bilingual city as inhabitants of the region speak both Castilian Spanish and Catalán, the official language of Cataluña. Barcelona offers visitors eccentric creativity, cultural diversity, and endless amounts of energy. The architecture in Barcelona is stunning and unique, ranging from medieval gothic castles to the mosaic buildings of Antonio Gaudí.
Also known for the cubist and surreal artists Picasso and Dalí, Barcelona will satisfy art lovers of all types! Bordered by wooded hills, Barcelona's surrounding area offers an escape from the bustling city life. A few hours away are the Pyrenees Mountains as well as the vineyards and orchards of the Cataluña region.
Studying in Barcelona provides the perfect blend of culture and fun, so what are you waiting for? Come study abroad in Barcelona!
Programs in Barcelona include:
- Academic Year:
- International Studies, Business & Culture
- Hispanic Studies
- Tourism, Hospitality Management & Business
- Design & Visual Arts
- Semester / Trimester:
- Spanish Language, Liberal Arts & Business
- International Studies, Business & Culture
- Hispanic Studies
- Tourism, Hospitality Management & Business
- Design & Visual Arts
- Summer:
- International Studies, Business & Culture
- Spanish Language & Culture
- Tourism, Hospitality Management & Business
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Summer
- Spring
- Academic Year
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Spanish and Iberian Studies
- Spanish Language, Literature
- International Relations
- Design and Applied Arts
- Business Administration and Management
- Hospitality Administration
- History
Website
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International Studies Abroad / ISA Scholarships
ISA offers USD 8,000 worth of scholarships annually dedicated to the memory of Michaela Farnum. Michaela was a junior studying International Business and Spanish at Seattle University and was a participant in the ISA program in Chile. Her experience was tragically cut short when she lost her life in a hiking accident in the mountains of La Campana National Park in Chile. ISA hopes that this scholarship will help aspiring study abroad students and will do so in memory of Michaela who only began to realize her dream of study abroad. The scholarship is both merit and financial need-based scholarships for the study abroad expenses for the summer term of the student awardees
8 x $1,000 for Summer Programs
The ISA Diversity Scholarships aim to encourage students of a broader cultural make-up to participate in ISA programs by offering funds to assist with the expenses of studying abroad. The scholarship amounts to USD 14,000 in awards and is to be used towards ISA programs.
2 x $1,000 for Summer Programs; 3 x $2,000 for Fall Programs; 3 x $2,000 for Winter/Spring Programs