Barcelona SAE: Academic Study Center (SIS) Semester Program

I studied abroad my last semester of college and it was one of the best decisions I made because met amazing people from different parts of the world and learned to be on my own. Most of my classes were all well oriented around learning about Barcelona, which gave a lot of insight on the city and the Catalan culture. The program events and day trips were great, and well planned. From someone who hasn’t traveled Europe and came to Barcelona with no idea what to expect, I would definitely recommend studying thru BSAE to be part of your study abroad journey!

I really enjoyed this program and couldn't ask for anything more. I felt super supported by staff and my professors. I enjoyed that the class sizes were not that big so that I could connect with my classmates one on one. During the first few days of the program, I felt super out of place because I come from a HBCU where everyone is African American and looks similar to me. As classes went on I began to open up to the students and create genuine connections. I really appreciated the activities during integration week although they were early lol. It gave me the opportunity to network with other students before classes even begun. I enjoyed all the program activities, my favorite one was the cooking class and also the weekend trips. In the beginning I was living in a homestay and felt super isolated and lonely, I found that once I moved to the apartment I made stronger connections and was able to cook for myself which I enjoyed. Academic wise I enjoyed my classes, mostly my psychology one. I will take the route in becoming a psychologist so it was cool to go on field studies and talk with therapist about their daily lives. I enjoyed the program and my mentor, I would do this again if I could!

Studying abroad with Barcelona SAE was a truly unforgettable experience that exceeded all my expectations. From the housing arrangements to the thoughtfully organized activities and academics, every aspect of the program was designed to make our time in Barcelona as immersive and enriching as possible. I stayed in Beyoo Poble Sec, and it couldn’t have been more ideal. The location was perfect, located in a residential neighborhood that made me feel connected to the local culture and only about 20 minutes away from any destination I wanted to explore in Barcelona. SAE truly shines when it comes to the activities they organize for students. Some of my favorite trips were those arranged by the program, especially the excursion to País Vasco (Basque Country). This trip was a highlight of my time abroadm not only because the region itself is incredible, but also because Barcelona SAE took care of all the details, making it a smooth, stress-free experience. It gave me the chance to bond with other students while immersing myself in the culture in a way that independent trips couldn’t always offer. The staff’s passion for engaging students in the local culture was evident in everything they did, from activity planning to encouraging us to participate in unique cultural experiences. The academic component of the program was just as impactful. While the course structure and content were quite different from my home university, the classes were thoughtfully tailored to connect with our lived experiences in Barcelona. I found myself constantly drawing connections between what I was learning in class and what I was experiencing in the city. This not only deepened my understanding of Barcelona but also gave me a wealth of knowledge to share when my family visited, I became their go-to tour guide! Barcelona SAE provides an all-encompassing study abroad experience that allows students to grow academically, culturally, and personally. From the supportive staff to the well-organized housing and enriching activities, the program is clearly designed with students in mind. If you’re looking for a program that fosters meaningful connections, cultural immersion, and personal growth, Barcelona SAE is an excellent choice. I’ll carry the memories and lessons I gained during my time in Barcelona for the rest of my life.