Hey! I’m Miriam, I recently started as Barcelona Assistant coordinator, a thrilling new experience. Along with Sandrine, Elena, Rose, Manuel and Maria, I will be around to welcome our students this spring semester. I’m so excited to meet everyone and help you enjoy this beautiful city, I know you’ll fall in love with it just like I have.
SAI has partnered with Escola Baixeras — my school! — and several other schools across the Barcelona area to offer students a truly impactful experience. As part of this program, SAI students volunteer as teacher aides in local schools, assisting with English lessons, helping with math, or simply playing with the kids at recess.This fall, a handful of us took on this opportunity, and I can confidently say we’re all so glad we did.
Like many study-abroad kids, I often spent my weekends during my semester abroad traveling around Spain and Europe. However, I made sure to get the most out of my home city, Barcelona, whenever possible. My class schedule abroad was much lighter than my course load at home, so I had plenty of time to explore the city during the week!
Studying abroad was undoubtedly one of the most memorable, exciting, and transformative experiences of my life. I grew immensely, both as an individual and in my understanding of other cultures and the broader world. Although my time abroad was filled with unforgettable moments, it also came with challenges, especially when it came to mental health.
Hello, my name is Mi’Kale and I’m a second-semester Junior majoring in Spanish with a Minor in Financial Planning. Last year in February of 2023, I walked into my college’s community Organization Fair and stopped by the SAI table. I was told about all the programs SAI offered, their scholarships, the plethora of activities that they do abroad, and how you could further your experience with them.
Hey there, my name is Javin Morrison. I’m a Spanish and linguistics major at Western Washington University with a future in secondary education. I participated in SAI’s study abroad program during the summer of 2024, and took classes at UPF in Barcelona. My main goals throughout this trip were to improve my fluency in Spanish, immerse myself in the local culture, and embrace new experiences, each of which were accomplished successfully.
Here are the top 5 things I learned while studying abroad: Always say Yes Although it’s cheesy, this phrase explains my experience abroad. Keeping myself in check and constantly reminding myself if this is once a lifetime opportunity and it’s only six weeks helped this trip reach its full potential.
My mom lived in a homestay as a study abroad student in France. She marvels about how it was her most treasured experience abroad. Through the opportunity, she was able to more easily assimilate into a new atmosphere.When I decided to study abroad, I was unable to do a homestay. After I found out about the SAI My Local Family Program, I knew I had to be a part of it.
When exploring a new city, I have always sought out restaurants with outdoor- seating or rooftops. I love sitting outside enjoying a refreshing drink while enjoying the breathtaking views and local ambiance. After living in Barcelona for 2 years, nothing beats a sunny afternoon with friends sitting on a gorgeous rooftop. It is the lovely way to spend the weekend after a stressful week; it is one of the best parts about Barcelona.
When I began studying abroad in Barcelona, one of my goals was to try and step beyond the study abroad “bubble” and immerse myself within the local culture as much as possible– a big ask given that the only Spanish phrases I knew were “Hola” and “Buenos Dias.” I soon realized that I more or less had two options: 1) Learn Spanish, or 2) Speak the world’s universal language: Sports! Naturally, I chose the latter.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, a group of ten SAI Spring 2024 students carved out time every Tuesday night to play the very popular European sport, soccer. The students participated in a local study abroad league, competing against other English speakers living in Barcelona. They laced up their cleats and took to the field, not only displaying their love for the game but also their commitment to teamwork and sportsmanship.
I’ve known that I’ve wanted to study abroad in Spain since I first started studying Spanish in 6th grade. I’ve always loved learning about Spanish culture, so when it was time to make a housing decision for my semester abroad, I knew that staying in a homestay was the perfect way for me to gain a deeper connection to the city and local culture while also improving my Spanish skills in a real-life setting.
One of my goals studying abroad was to immerse myself in the culture through building relationships with the local community. I wanted to have a personal connection with someone where we could share a mutual connection and understand each other’s culture. Additionally, I love meeting new people and eating, so I was excited to see that SAI partnered students and families together! Each week, I visited my host family for dinner.
I had the opportunity to study abroad in Barcelona this past Fall Semester. It started with the hope of experiencing a new city and a new school. However, I got the opportunity to do much more. I found out during orientation that SAI offered a program that allowed students to work at an elementary school. Even though my major is Graphic Design and not Education or Spanish.
I have been living in Barcelona for slightly more than a month. During this time, I’ve marveled at the stunning architecture, picturesque landscapes, monuments, and museums. Exploring diverse cuisines and traveling to new countries has broadened my culinary experiences and cultural perception. These experiences have been truly phenomenal, though the memories that will stick with me most of all, are those involving connections formed with locals and new people.
I have been in Barcelona for about a month now, and time has passed by so quickly and slowly at the same time! Getting into a daily routine, exploring the city with my friends, and learning in a new environment has been nothing short of amazing. However, while I have been trying my best to keep up with the bustling city of Barcelona, I felt overwhelmed by how much I wanted to do.
Exactly a month since I left Barcelona, I have the chance to deeply reflect on my time spent at the local elementary school during my amazing study abroad semester! Located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona lies the oldest elementary school in this incredible city by the name of Escola Baixeras.
Accommodating and assimilating into a new way of life is extremely difficult. Wrapping my head around the idea that I would be living in a new country for three months was something I could not fathom. I did all the research and planning I could, asked friends of friends for advice, and even made lists of things to do around my apartment.
At its core, Barcelona is very urban. While there are few skyscrapers, it’s a highly condensed and lively city environment. Amongst the city-dwellers, though, are refreshing areas to get together outdoors, make memories, and see some amazing views. These are some of the parks of Barcelona. 1. The Parks of Montjuic Monjtuic has some amazing community spaces, as well as scenic overlooks. The old Olympic courts serve as a park, as well.
Nestled within the Montserrat mountain range, our recent day trip was marked by a series of captivating experiences, seamlessly blending awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural richness. Starting with an ascension via cable car, our exploration unfolded through the indulgence in local delicacies, a visit to the Montserrat Basilica, and a panoramic mountain hike.
Barcelona offers a myriad of experiences for those seeking to immerse themselves in the vibrant arts scene. The SAI VIVA Experience at a historic ceramic workshop was a unique introduction to the world of pottery. The day began with anticipation as we traveled to the barrio of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. The colorful streets and crisp autumn air created a great atmosphere.
Studying abroad is extremely exciting! But it can also be extremely overwhelming at times. Any new life in a new city requires a lot of huge adjustments, but when you’re halfway across the world from home, it can be especially daunting to be on your own.
As a massive artistic and cultural hub of Europe, Barcelona is full of art, creativity, and history of all kinds. One of my personal favorite aspects of the city’s culture is its deep ties to urban art.
I love thrifting new clothes and housewares back home, so I was super excited to see what it would be like in a new country. Thrifting has become a relaxing pastime for me, like an escape from everything going on and it also gives me a purpose for getting out of the house.
As beautiful, diverse, and endlessly entertaining as the city of Barcelona is, my roommates and I were itching to make our first overnight trip out of town after our first couple of weeks here. After some fairly last-minute research and planning, we decided to go for a quick two-day adventure to the island of Mallorca.
Barcelona is a vibrant and culturally rich city, but there is more to the region of Catalonia than meets the eye. I was eager for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and opted for a day trip to the coastal town of Blanes. Sandrine, the SAI Barcelona program director, gave us travel advice and recommendations that facilitated our plans.
Barcelona’s charm knows no bounds, and for those willing to explore beyond the bustling city streets, Montjuïc emerges as an enchanting gem. This historic hill offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and history. Join me on a captivating day trip to Montjuïc, where we’ll explore the magnificent Montjuïc Castle, the lush Barcelona Botanical Garden, and the serene Montjuïc Park. The day began with a visit to the iconic Montjuïc Castle.
As I am finishing up my final exams at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, I’ve been spending a lot of time reflecting on the ways I’ve grown throughout the past semester and the experiences that made it all possible. On September 1st, I landed in Barcelona with not a single idea of how I would spend my time abroad.
My name is Hallie Anderson, and I am in the class of ’24 at University of Missouri studying food science. If you would have told me when I was 4 years old putting my first batch of brownies into an easy bake oven that someday I would be across the world taking culinary classes, I would never have believed you.
Hi, my name is Josh Kueh. I am from Fayetteville, Arkansas, where I study at the University of Arkansas. I am double majoring in supply chain management and information systems. I have a minor in data analytics. I chose to study in Barcelona because I love the cultural elements that it offers!
Around eleven years ago I got to visit Carcassone, France, a town and UNESCO World Heritage site that is famous for its medieval fortifications and castle. My family and I drove there from my grandparent’s house in Spain, and my parents let me run around the castle walls. I ran around pretending to be a knight defending the castle with fake swords and bows and arrows.
Hi! My name is Anya Pennisi. I’m a junior studying International Business with French and Digital Marketing at Appalachian State University. Coming abroad I wanted to get a full cultural immersion of the community I was studying in and I fully believe that learning more about a culture comes from all forms of experiences. I’m very thankful that SAI offered the opportunity to participate in a service project to teach students English.
By far my favorite class this semester was Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage (SACH). It had us running all over Barcelona some days, and engagingly in the classroom other days. Our teacher would have us go to numerous museums and locations around Barcelona to show us what we had learned in class. The class was incredibly captivating and I felt I gained the most knowledge in that class.
Hey! My name is Kavya and I was a part of SAI’s local friend program. The Local Friend program sets you up with another student from Barcelona and allows you to better immerse yourself in the culture and language. I signed up for the program because I was curious about Catalan traditions and lifestyles and wanted to make new friends while abroad.
My time in Barcelona and Europe was about connections. And coming here was one of the best decisions I’ve made. About me I’m a student at Parsons School of Design in New York majoring in Product design with a focus on furniture and home products. Since I was also determined to improve my Spanish, coming to Barcelona and ELISAVA was a no-brainer.
Sant Jordi is a highly celebrated and beloved cultural event in Catalonia, Spain. Taking place on April 23rd of each year, it holds significant historical and cultural importance. Sant Jordi is a vibrant festival that combines elements of literature, romance, and tradition, making it a truly unique and cherished occasion. At the heart of Sant Jordi lies the tradition of exchanging books and roses.
My name is Annabelle, I was studying in Barcelona at Elisava during this spring semester (2023). In Barcelona, I lived with three girls, two from the United States and one from Puerto Rico, in a two bedroom apartment. This felt comfortable and familiar which helped me to adjust to my new life in a foreign country. However, once I got settled I felt like something was missing.
Hi! My name is Allie McDermott, and I am currently a pre-med junior within the University of South Carolina’s Honors College. During the Spring 2023 semester, I studied abroad in Barcelona. Reflecting on my incredible journey throughout Europe, I remain especially grateful for SAI’s dedication to providing a plethora of experiential learning opportunities for us students.
Hi, my name is Bryan Bellantoni and I studied abroad in Barcelona in the Spring of 2023. I grew up in New Jersey and attend the University of South Carolina, majoring in Finance. While studying abroad in Barcelona, I had the opportunity to volunteer in an English class. The students, middle school aged, taught me more in the short three months than I could have ever taught them.
Coming from Colorado studying Interior Design, I had no idea what to expect moving to Barcelona to do a semester at one of the top design schools in Barcelona. At Elisava I am enrolled in a design contexts class, and visual communications and motion graphics class, both of which are completely new subjects for me. As for interior design, I am taking an interior spaces class as well as a retail design class.
Ceramists worldwide have undoubtedly had an immense impact on contemporary art. Significant figures like Beate Kuhn and George Ohr have made great strides in the global movement. However, these monumental names often obscure the achievements of artisans from regions beyond our borders that have contributed to the global campaign in their own right.
If you´ve ever been to Catalunya between January and March you will have heard of the famous Calçotada…or maybe not. La calçotada comes from the word calçot which is a type of green onion which is much milder than your typical onion and a calçotada is a meal in which you eat these onions usually in a rural setting.
I am currently about one month into my study abroad semester, and I genuinely can’t believe how fast time is going. Living in Barcelona has been such a refreshing, needed, and fun experience. Taking the metro every day to school, walking 5 miles every day, and having to air dry my clothes have all been so fun and different from my life in the US.
I got to do one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. Graffiti in Barcelona. I would have never thought that my Urban Interventions course through UAB would have me go out into the city and graffiti a wall. The class started as any other class would until my Professor Georginia gave us what she called a Black Book. It is what graffiti artists and writers call their sketchbooks.
One of the many ways I was able to immerse myself in the Barcelona lifestyle included the time I spent volunteering in an elementary school. During my time abroad, I would meet with the first grade class at Escola Baixeras weekly and help out during their English class. I am incredibly thankful for the time I spent volunteering at Escola Baixeras throughout the past few months.
One of the many great attributes of studying abroad in Europe is the multitude of options available for a weekend getaway. Whether you prefer to sunbathe along the coast of the Mediterranean or hike to the best look-out point of the city, traveling to a new place can be an easy and affordable excursion to plan. My record of places I’ve visited outside of Barcelona so far consist of Costa Brava, Munich, Paris, and Cadaqués.
Looking back at these photos now, I’m still in awe of all that Spain has. I feel so privileged to have been able to study here, and I’m so glad I chose Barcelona!! While in Barcelona, I also got to visit Madrid… and London, England…. and Milan, Italy Europe was absolutely incredible!!
Hi! My name is Anya Carney and I am a current student studying abroad at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona through SAI. I have gotten involved in as many activities and programs as I could through SAI and my favorite by far has been the International Service Certificate. Through this program, I teach 2nd graders English at a local primary school here in Barcelona.
We sat down for a virtual interview with Anya Carney, a SAI Spring 2022 student studying in Barcelona at the University Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), to tell us all about her experience abroad: My name is Anya Carney, and I’m from Charleston, SC. I go to the University of South Carolina, and I’m an Economics and Management double major.
1. Learn about their public transportation system. Each city has its own unique public transportation system. You are likely going to experience some form of a metro or “underground” and buses, trains, or trams. My first suggestion is to get the apple maps app. After this, I would google taxi apps for your city and also google if there are any “city planner” or public transportation planner apps.
After graduating high school I was geared up and ready for what my college life would look like. I had no idea what to expect but I knew for one thing, I wanted to study abroad. Even during my competitive scholarship interviews, I told them that the one thing I definitely wanted to do was go abroad for part of my education.
TRAVELING OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOST COUNTRY: When traveling during covid it is a lot harder to plan. Every country has different covid restrictions upon entry and some “must-sees” in your desired city might be temporarily closed. My advice is to make a list of all of the cities outside of the country that you would ideally like to visit while you’re abroad.
SAI is pleased to announce a new partnership with Universitat de Vic (UVic). Our partnership with this dynamic and distinguished university allows us to round out our Barcelona offering with a curriculum focused on Business and Design. Named for the town of Vic where the main campus is located, the university maintains a thriving study abroad center in the very heart of Barcelona.
My name is Patty Gannon, and I am currently studying abroad in Barcelona at UPF. I am in a class at UPF that is called The Collectivity Revolution. The class is filled with students from Spain, Indonesia, Japan, and the United States. As I am wrapping up this course, I figured it would be informative to future students to share my experience.
SAI Alums, Megan Forbes and Hannah Lowder, returned to Barcelona this summer after their Spring 2020 semester was cut short due to COVID-19. They sent us a collection of film photos from their trip and we’ve been obsessing over them ever since! Our Barcelona Program Coordinator also connected them with another student, Mason Dahl, who happened to be back visiting after his Fall 2019 semester.
Hi everyone! My name is Lillie Wilcox and I’m currently about to finish up my summer internship with Max Ricart, a luxury real estate firm in Barcelona. If you are thinking about doing an internship with SAI but aren’t sure….. DO IT!!!! This has been the most amazing experience I have ever had, both professionally and just personally.
Beach, please! Barcelona, a city of amazing monuments, great tapas food and…beautiful beaches! The city of Gaudi is famous for its long, sandy shores. Its beaches have always attracted many visitors every year (well, at least pre-covid times) and has been a nice getaway those past few months for all the people living in Barcelona as it is a great place to chill and enjoy the Summer holiday feeling unique to our city.
In Barcelona, the holiday spirit starts when the Christmas lights are on and the Fira de Santa Llúcia market opens. The Fira de Santa Llúcia has been held in front of Barcelona’s beautiful gothic Cathedral since 1786 and attracts many visitors each year looking for Christmas trees and decorations, local handmade gifts, beautiful craft nativity scenes, eucalyptus branches, activities for children, and more.
Like most people around the world, study abroad students were blindsided by the new normal brought on by Coronavirus. With the need to return home, our experiences were cut short with no warning. However, we were given something that no other study abroad students had received before—time to reflect on our experiences in our host cities.
I came to love Barcelona on my third day in the city. It just so happened that a childhood friend from my small hometown of Vermillion, South Dakota was in Barcelona on vacation. We trekked up to los Bunkers del Carmel – an incredible 360-degree view of the city – watched the sunset and talked for hours on end. I was inspired as she told stories about her semester abroad in Verona, Italy.
When students talk about their study abroad experience it is common to hear “I had the time of my life!”, “It was awesome!”, or “It was the most fun I’ve ever had!”. While all of those statements are very true and I am guilty of using them myself, I believe it is just as important to mention the challenges you experienced because overcoming adversity or setbacks shape who are just as much (and maybe more)
Last weekend I took a trip to Fes, Morocco. I had been looking forward to taking a weekend trip to Morocco since I arrived in Spain. Morocco is so close and I had always drawn inspiration from the ornate patterns in Moroccan design which are so full of color and texture. My excitement stemmed from the fact that I would be seeing something that I recognized on a screen firsthand.
What was your favorite class abroad and why? My favorite class abroad was my Marketing Research class. In the past, all of my marketing classes have been lecture style with little to no student involvement and participation. However, in my marketing class at UPF, different group projects were assigned every week.
What was your favorite class abroad and why? I really enjoyed all of my classes, but one of my personal favorite classes was my Managerial Skills class. In this class, my professor really made the classroom a positive environment and used games and activities to help us better understand information. For example, there was one task where I was blind-folded using my non-dominate hand to stack as many blocks in 10 seconds.
What was your favorite thing to do in your host city? My favorite thing to do in my host city would be the daily walks to the Sagrada Familia. My apartment was conveniently located 10 minutes from the Sagrada Familia, so it could not have been more perfect. After class, I would walk to Sagrada and would people watch for hours. It was the perfect place to relax, read a book, or grab a cappuccino.
I have been living in Barcelona, Spain for a week now. Honestly, it feels as though I’ve been here for months. Arriving in a new country for the first time can be a bit overwhelming, especially when you know you’ll be staying in this new country for an extended stay. Here are some tips for the first few days acclimating in a new country: Drink lots of fluids and get some rest!
On the day that I was supposed to have my flight to Barcelona, I had a six-hour delay due to a storm in New York. I was having extreme anxiety because of the delay and was afraid about what I should do since I am all by myself. Well, once I actually got on the plane, everything went well and I arrived in Barcelona safely with the help of Leticia, my SAI coordinator.
Before coming to Barcelona for the semester I had envisioned the city as an ever-sunny haven. I had spent several days in Barcelona during August a few years before and thought that the weather would be the same as it had been on those summer days: warm and bright. My roommates had a similar image in their heads.
What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad? How did you change? Initially, thoughts of spending a semester abroad in a strange country provoked an anxiousness in myself I never knew I had. There was such a buildup of emotions, thoughts, and doubts constantly in my mind. I worried about making new friends, adapting to the new culture I was about to submerge myself in, and missing out on my college’s events.
Food plays a heavy role in the Spanish culture in Catalonia. An important part of absorbing yourself into the culture is getting to know the local specialties. With the Catalan culture, there are plenty of different specialties to offer. Below I have listed eight of my personal favorite foods that I think everyone should try. Patatas Bravas These fried potatoes with a spicy sauce and creamy aioli are one of my favorite foods in Barcelona.
Bri Carter was a spring 2019 Barcelona student from Appalachian State University. What was your favorite memory from studying abroad? My favorite memory from studying abroad was the day trip to Sitges. As much as I love the city and the mountains for me, the beach is where it’s at, and Sitges was one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen.
¡Hola! My name is Toyin Jackson, I’m a sophomore at Mizzou, and I am currently participating in a study abroad program in Barcelona, Spain. Last week, I started attending CETT – Campus de Turisme, Hoteleria, y Gastronomia (Campus of Tourism, Hospitality, and Gastronomy). The school is affiliated with the University of Barcelona. This semester, I am participating in the their gastronomy program studying a curriculum surrounding food and culture in the Mediterranean.
What was your favorite class abroad and why? My favorite class abroad was my Marketing Research class. In the past, all of my marketing classes have been lecture style with little to no student involvement and participation. However, in my marketing class at UPF, different group projects were assigned every week.
This is a guest blog post written by Dr. Lynn McGee, faculty member in the Department of Business Administration at the University of South Carolina- Beaufort. Dr. McGee recently participated in a professional site visit to SAI’s Barcelona programs and shares her observations and perspectives here: Barcelona: “The Great Enchantress” Art critic Robert Hughes’ describes Barcelona as “the great enchantress.
Barcelona is truly one of the most unbelievable cities in the world. Before I decided to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain, I knew very little about how much the city itself has so much to offer. As I have learned, the city itself offers a wide range of views from beaches to mountains to infamous churches to beautiful architecture.
We caught up with SAI Barcelona team members Leticia, Ashley and Sandrine, who provide some ideas on immersing yourself into the local scene. Being a team who is always looking for that off the beaten path adventure, from our personal experience, in order to get the true flavor of Barcelona, the best way is to get involved in the community.
Last weekend the SAI Barcelona family traveled to Montserrat for the day. It is located west of Barcelona taking us an hour to arrive at the base of the mountain. The train to Montserrat leaves once every hour from Placa d’Espanya, therefore, it is important to be punctual! The sheer beauty of Montserrat left me wanting to come back and conquer the highest peak, Sant Jeroni (1,236 meters).
Food When talking to friends and family about my decision to fly across the pond and study in Spain, the Mediterranean diet continued to surface. “Lots of fish and even more olive oil!” I kept on hearing constantly. Nobody lied about the consumption of olive oil. To put it in perspective on average Americans consume 1.1 liters of olive oil every year but Spaniards, a voluminous 10 liters.
We caught up with SAI Ambassador Molly, who answered some questions about her summer in Barcelona. How has studying abroad impacted your life goals? I have always known I’ve wanted to travel as much as possible in life. I chose my major based on what would allow me to travel. I chose my university based on who would let me travel as much as possible.
Street Markets With Live Music (Cultural Events): Monumental Club
Check out SAI Barcelona’s new reporter’s introduction to his blog and his first recommendation: Street Markets With Live Music. The Plaza de Toros Monumental de Barcelona, more commonly known as La Monumental is a fascinating bullfighting ring located in the Eixample district. Having a capacity of 19,582 this venue has been graced with concerts from the revolutionary Beatles and the legendary Rolling Stones.
We caught up with SAI Ambassador Victoria, who answers some questions about her time in Barcelona. Favorite week abroad My second week abroad in Barcelona had to be my favorite week out of the six.
We caught up with SAI Ambassador Andrew, who answers some questions regarding his semester in Barcelona. What was your favorite class abroad and why? I loved all my classes that I took in Barcelona. One of the Spanish culture courses that I took was called “Seven Wonders of Spain.” This amazing class featured professor-led tours throughout different neighborhoods in Barcelona.
My journey with SAI has evolved into some wonderful opportunities over the past couple years, so for me to chose my “SAI Moment” is difficult. I have experienced so many moments with SAI that I hold to be significant, but when having to choose one, a specific memory came to mind. While abroad, I had the opportunity to work in the SAI Barcelona office after being awarded a scholarship from SAI.
SAI recently caught up with SAI Ambassador Ashlynne, who answered some questions about her time in Barcelona. What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad? How have you changed? I think the biggest thing I learned about myself when I was abroad was the fact that I had the ability to be independent and that I was fully capable of doing things on my own, even traveling.
SAI recently caught up with SAI Ambassador Lindsey, who answers some questions about her semester in Barcelona. What was your favorite thing to do in your host city? My favorite thing to do in Barcelona was to just walk around as much as I could to discover new places. After class, I would run home to drop my things and then hop on the metro.
We recently caught up with SAI Ambassador Sabrina, who answers some short follow-up questions from her time in Barcelona. What was your favorite class abroad and why? My favorite class abroad was the Political Economy of European Integration.
SAI recently caught up with SAI Ambassador Ellie, who reflected on her memories in Barcelona. What surprised you most about your study abroad city/culture? My first week in Barcelona I went to a Barcelona futbol game. I had no idea how passionate and crazy these games were. I was shocked. I have been to NFL games before, Seattle Seahawks, and those games are crazy loud. I didn’t imagine a game like this would even compare.
I have met some incredible individuals this semester. Europeans, short and tall, have welcomed me with open arms throughout my four months abroad and the kindness is truly contagious. The range of people has gone from playful children next to me on a canal cruise in Amsterdam, to a wise old woman helping me with the London tube.
If you asked me before I went abroad what a kebab was, I would think of the skewer stacked with roasted meats and vegetables. In Europe, “kebab” has a completely different meaning. Döner kebab is an incredibly popular dish made up of seasoned meat that is shaved from a vertical rotisserie and topped with fresh vegetables and sauces. Döner is similar to the Arab shawarma and Greek gyro and is famous for its late-night accessibility.
We caught up with SAI Barcelona Program Coordinator Leticia, who is contributing to our blog this month. Leticia recounts her weekend student excursion to the sunny, southern town of Seville. I have lived in Andalusia for a few years and I have explored Spain’s southern region several times.
In honor of next month’s Sant Jordi holiday on April 23, our SAI Barcelona Program Coordinator Sandrine has provided a brief history of this special holiday. Also, our SAI Barcelona students will have the honor of celebrating this unique day with a memorable dinner and book exchange!
It feels like just yesterday I was trying to figure out how to buy a metro pass, and now I know most of the subway lines throughout the city like the back of my hand. The fact that I am already halfway through the semester baffles me, and I know that the second half will go by even faster than the first.
I had never been to Spain before studying abroad and I wanted to immediately immerse myself in the unique culture. Within my first week in Barcelona, I took a Spanish cooking class! The class was organized through SAI and held at a modern kitchen just a few steps away from the Barcelona City Hall, in the Gothic Quarter.
My name is Ana Harrison, I’m a rising senior at the University of South Carolina and I’m going to be an SAI ambassador this year! This past spring I had the time of my life studying abroad in Barcelona, and this is a little video I pieced together of the six countries I visited when I went abroad.
Looking for an immersion into local life in Spain… order and enjoy a nice coffee! How important is it to know how to order a coffee in Spain? What does coffee mean in Spanish Culture? Actually it means much more than I even thought! It means everything: a good start of the day, a warm and homey smell, a pleasure for mindfulness and the most important… a perfect way of socializing!
Food Culture and Culinary Arts in the Mediterranean
SAI is pleased to announce a new culinary arts program at CETT in Barcelona. The semester program at CETT, entitled Food Culture and Culinary Arts in the Mediterranean, is the first of its kind in Spain, offering an English language culinary program geared toward international students.
As an aspiring physician with an obsession for all things sports, the vibrant metropolis of Barcelona, with a strong independent spirit, was able to offer the best of both worlds. Two of the highlights of my month-long trip overseas (my first ever) included walking on the legendary and hallowed grounds of Camp Nou, where FC Barcelona plays, and touring the campus of the Hospital de Sant Pau, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
After weeks of brainstorming what to bring, packing, figuring out flights, and racing the clock, the time finally came for us to head abroad to Barcelona. As I sat on a seven hour flight to Paris, and a little over an hour flight to Barcelona, I never could have imagined what I was about to experience.
Moving from The United States to Barcelona for almost 5 months sounded pretty terrifying at first. And trust me, I did not want to go the day before I left. I was crying and holding my mom saying to myself, “Why did I decide to do this?!” And then I remembered why, it was because I wanted to experience something different and wanted to be somewhere completely different on my own.
We handed over our Instagram account to Solomon for the day. This is his day in Barcelona (October 27, 2016). Hello SAI Programs! Fall has arrived in Barcelona, and so have I! I’m @SolomonsPost, but you can call me Sollie. I’m a 3rd year student from the Rochester Institute of Technology (@rittigers) studying abroad at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (@uniautonomabarcelona) this fall.
Life is a patchwork of the decisions we make. In studying abroad it seems that these decisions carry more weight because the pressure of limited time. Suggestions from friends and online reviews, photos from facebook and stories from siblings mold expectations and build up hopes for experiences abroad.
We handed over our Instagram to a few students this month and asked them to take us through their day in their host city. This is Talia’s day in Barcelona (April 3, 2016). Hey everyone! I’m Talia and I’m studying at ELISAVA this semester in Barcelona with SAI. I’m originally from outside DC and I study graphic design at VCU. Here’s a pic from my amazing spring break in Rome! Quick snack before a Sunday outside!
We handed over our Instagram to a few students this month and asked them to take us through their day in their host city. This is Cristian’s day in Barcelona (March 25, 2016). Hola todos! My name is Cristian Constantino. I am a senior at The University of Texas at El Paso, studying media advertising. Today I will take over SAI’s instagram account and show you around Barcelona!
It’s easy to get sucked into the rhythm of schedule. Suddenly after 6 weeks time clouds your vision of how extraordinary your ordinary is. My tip for new students and a personal goal for myself is to never let the comfort of routine settle, and to be open to the experiences that disrupt monotony.
I promise I’m not much of a jetsetter but in the span of 3 days I took a total of 5 flights. Because of a family vacation I took a nauseating 2 hour car ride from Cayafate to Salta Argentina, flew from there to Buenos Aires where I then stopped in Miami to catch my connecting flight to Washington DC.
To all of you students preparing to leave for the most incredible semester of your life (it’s true…it really is the best time of your life), I’ll start off with saying I’m incredibly jealous of the amazing time you’re about to have wherever you plan on studying abroad.
Headed to Barcelona this spring for study abroad?! Well, start planning study breaks because this is a non exhaustive list of festivals to add to your calendar right now for the upcoming semester. Even if you will be elsewhere in Europe you might find yourself in the amazing city of Barcelona and you would not want to miss out. Not going to Europe at all?
Cristian was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Spring 2016 term. She is a current student at The University of Texas at El Paso studying at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in Spain, during the Spring 2016 term. 10 FUN FACTS ABOUT CRISTIAN I am a senior at The University of Texas at El Paso pursuing a major in media avertising with a double minor in marketing and management.
Talia was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Spring 2016 term. She is a current student at Virginia Commonwealth University studying at Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering in Barcelona, Spain during the Spring 2016 term. 10 FUN FACTS ABOUT TALIA In the winter, my space heater is my best friend. I love exploring farmer’s markets. I speak Spanish with my family. I like to bake vegan desserts.
A couple weeks ago the students of SAI Barcelona, including myself, traveled to a beautiful city in Spain known as Sevilla. We were all excited to experience a different kind of Spanish culture and see what we could learn from it. The weekend´s itinerary was packed wtih activities, sights, and meals that we could not wait for! On the first day, we arrived in Sevilla in the morning with much planned for us.
I consider myself to be someone who is always prepared. I like knowing that I can handle any curve ball or unexpected situation that may come my way. So once I decided to study abroad, I began to research anything and everything about picking the right place to spend my semester abroad. Shortly, I came to the conclusion that Barcelona was the city for me.
I made it! After months and months of planning, researching and waiting, I have finally made it to Barcelona! Before my departure, many people had asked me if I was nervous aboutleaving the country for 4 months. But to be honest, all the excitement and preparation left me no room to be nervous. I got off the plane feeling tired above anything else.
Jamie was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Fall 2015 term. She is a current student at University of Dayton studying at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB) in Barcelona, Spain during the Fall 2015 term. GET TO KNOW JAMIE Tell us why you chose to study abroad. I chose to study abroad because I had taken a high school soccer trip to Europe and could not wait to go back.
Never did I think this time would actually come. The time where I would be reflecting on my abroad experience as if it were something in the past. I’m about 10 days out from my departure from Spain, and I have the most mixed emotions about leaving. People always tell you how much you will change after an abroad experience or how much you will learn in such a short period of time.
SAI Excursion-Spanish Cooking Lesson So we have been on so many excursions through SAI where we have traveled to other cities, but for this blog post, I’d like to include an activity we’ve taken part in right here in Barcelona. Last week, 3/6, SAI arranged a Spanish cooking lesson.
Has it been a month here already?! I can’t believe how fast the time is flying by! There are so many things I love about this city. There are a few specific places that have really screamed “home” to me. After a long day in class or after a long weekend of travel, it is nice to see the familiar subway stop, or grocery store across from my apartment. (1)
WOW. I have only been here a week now and I already have had so many new experiences. There is so much I have already done and I can’t wait to be here for another four months! I arrived in Barcelona on January 5th with my father, earlier than my roommates, and toured around The Rambla (a known street for tourists), and tried a couple cool restaurants and watched some funny street performers.
Bailey was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Spring 2015 term. She is a current student at St. Cloud State University studying at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB) in Barcelona, Spain during the Spring 2015 term. Tell us why you chose to study abroad I chose to study abroad because I LOVE to travel.
Mireia Garmendia is a native Spaniard and SAI is lucky to call her the SAI Barcelona Program Coordinator! Below are her top 20 things do in Barcelona – from a local’s perspective! Sagrada Familia: world famous Modernist Architect Gaudí’s masterpiece. Magic Fountain Show at Montjuïc: large and spectacularly colorful fountain performance with music, built in 1929.
