API: Experience Barcelona, Spain (Scholarships Available)

Studying abroad in Barcelona was one of the most enriching and transformative experiences of my life. From the vibrant culture and stunning architecture to the engaging academic environment and diverse international community, every aspect of my time in Barcelona exceeded my expectations. One of the standout features of the program was the academic structure. I enrolled in courses that not only deepened my understanding of Spanish and Catalan culture but also offered a global perspective on subjects like international history, and art. The professors were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, often integrating field trips into the curriculum. One of the most memorable academic experiences was studying the works of Gaudí in a classroom and then stepping outside to see La Sagrada Familia or Park Güell in person; it was truly a learning experience like no other. Living in Barcelona provided constant opportunities for cultural immersion. Whether it was navigating the bustling markets of La Boqueria, joining locals for a late-night tapas dinner, or strolling through the Gothic Quarter’s labyrinthine streets, every day felt like an adventure. One of my favorite parts of the experience was the emphasis on community. From new friends from around the world and local classmates, I always felt welcomed. The city’s unique blend of traditional Catalan heritage and modern European influence made it an exciting place to explore and learn from. One of the biggest advantages of studying in Barcelona was its prime location. The city itself offered countless attractions, from the breathtaking beaches to the historic Montjuïc Castle, but its proximity to other European destinations made weekend getaways effortless. I was able to travel to places like Montenegro, Switzerland, Italy, London and even the south of France, all of which further enriched my study abroad experience. Beyond academics and travel, this experience was vial in my personal growth. I became more independent, adaptable, and open-minded. Navigating a new city, learning a new language, and immersing myself in a different culture pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. The friendships I made and the lessons I learned continue to shape my perspective on the world.

I had a once in a lifetime opportunity, living off passé de gracia and attending the universitad autónoma de Barcelona. I took a international business class as well as international marketing strategies. I am fluent in both English and Spanish and have some knowledge in French which eased my experience in the hospital due to a stomach bug of some sort after shortly first arriving to Barcelona.

Studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain did more for my personal growth and career than anything I have experienced in my life thus far. I made my very first friend there while in line at customs and since then she has not only been a constant in my life, but a reminder of how truly life changing this experience has been. A year ago I was a completely different person who couldn’t be away from home for more than two weeks and who needed a friend to go to the grocery store with her. When I went to Barcelona, I got lost on my second day trying to find a croissant and a ‘cafe con leche.’ What should have been a twenty minute walk turned into two hours of me wandering around the city. But while that was considerably aggravating and anxiety inducing then, it was only the start of the many obstacles I would face and overcome. A month after that incident I was riding the metro without using google maps, and I had memorized my walk home. I knew exactly where ‘Mercadona’ my favorite grocery store was, and I could order my morning coffee with ease. The point here, studying abroad will force you to take a giant leap outside your comfort zone, and while that leap is met with some challenges-once you land on your feet you feel more capable and confident in yourself. You will set higher goals, you will meet those goals, and you will keep going. API gave me a truly remarkable experience living in Aparto Pallars and going to school at UAB. The people I met were unforgettable and I still keep in touch with them to this day. I felt that this was the perfect balance for me because even though I was alone, I was living with students from all over the United States, so it was easy to bond over the fact that we were all strangers to Barcelona and Europe in general. We started out as tourists gushing over the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and Casa Batllo, and we ended that experience more connected to the city. We understood the significance of holidays like St. Jordi’s day or Carnival, and knew that in a place that once felt so foreign we now felt at home in. API gave us those friendships, but also gave us the opportunity to have wonderful relationships with our professors at UAB. From visiting local businesses with my International Business professor who had so much personal knowledge on the city to being immersed in the art scene of Barcelona for my art class. I was exploring the city in my free time, but API connected us with the most amazing university that understood the importance of letting us explore the Catalan culture of Barcelona, Spain during class time. There is something so confidence building about studying abroad that you will never understand unless you just go. I had never been out of the country before, had never flown on an airplane alone, and I embarked on this journey to a new, non english speaking country all by myself. The only thing I would have changed about my experience is extending it. I never felt alone with API. We had the best staff in Barcelona, I made the most amazing friends, and knew that wherever I turned someone was excited for me about the experience they were creating for us. A year ago I was about to leave for this amazing adventure, and now all I think about is going back to Barcelona, my second home.