Why You Should Study in Barcelona |

August 23, 2024

Waking up to the Sagrada Familia every morning

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. I participated in a homestay where my host and I spoke exclusively in Spanish to one another. Our conversations were always a delight, and with dinner we’d often be talking long into the night. Doing a homestay also allowed me to get a feel for local culture and cuisine beyond what any restaurant or museum could offer. It was great to come home from a day of sightseeing and still be experiencing culture within my own apartment.

A Visit to the Carmel Bunkers with SAI!

My experience with UPF was incredible, as it allowed me to study topics outside of what I normally would at home, each of which viewed through Spain’s lens. UPF hosted students from all over the United States, as well as many other countries, so the cultural diversity extended far beyond simply being in another country.

The best way for any study abroad student to try new things is to register for all of the activities that SAI offers (all inclusive!) and the activities your host university offer. (These activities are often free)

The SAI Cooking Workshop!

The Barcelona Bike Tour with SAI.

Those activities can provide you with more information than if you visited on your own, and are always something you might not have thought to try. Before visiting, see what your host university has to offer and get on the participation lists early to ensure that you get to experience them. SAI allowed me to walk around Montjuic, trek up to the bunkers of Carmel, make paella in a cooking class and visit France for an afternoon. My host university, UPF, allowed me to try paddle surfing, beach volleyball and try a wide array of tapas. These activities also still leave your schedule with plenty of freedom to do your own excursions.

SAI Montjuic Tour

The UPF Summer (and rainy) Welcome Session

My time studying abroad was educational, enriching and exciting, and I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone who wants to study abroad and experience the culturally rich city of Barcelona for all it has to offer.