ISA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

My summer study abroad experience in Barcelona was truly unforgettable! It was a transformative opportunity that expanded my academic horizons, deepened my cultural understanding, and fueled a lifelong passion for travel! Barcelona's central location allowed us to easily travel to lots of different destinations, adding even more depth to the experience. An amazing aspect of this program was the opportunity to connect with new people. Choosing to live in an apartment with girls also in the program was one of the best decisions. It truly felt like we were immersed into the energy of the city and became part of Barcelona. I absolutely recommend studying abroad through ISA, you will not regret it!

I highly recommend this trip. I think everything went as well as things could possibly go. My professor was funny, helpful, and very knowledgeable. I learned a lot in my class. It was challenging but not too hard. I felt completely safe in Barcelona. I was able to work out at a gym, go to the movies, go grocery shopping, and pretty much live my life how I do back in the United States. However, I was also able to see all of the museums, the sites, and get a good slice of Spanish culture. I had taken 3 semesters of Spanish which helped me greatly get around the city. This was my first time out of the country and the ISA staff gave me the best possible experience I could have hoped for.

I spent 4 months in Barcelona, Spain during the spring 2023 semester and it was an amazing experience! The city is beautiful and the people are so kind and welcoming. I was able to learn so much about the culture and broaden my Spanish speaking abilities which was a definite bonus. The programming through ISA provided me with great resources to resolve any issues (no matter the size) as well as some great excursions to other parts of Spain. I also loved being so close to such a large airport so that weekend traveling throughout the semester was as easy as possible. I loved my semester in Barcelona with ISA and would recommend it to anyone!

Studying abroad has been one of the best experiences I could have ever imagined being a part of. When deciding to study in Barcelona I had no idea how fun and eye opening the experience was going to be. From the lifestyle to culture and atmosphere of Barcelona I couldn't have asked for a better place to live for four months. ISA was able to provide me with the best support and guidance before, during and even after my time abroad. During the application process ISA was there to help with any question or concern I had as well as during, as the office was right down the street from my residency. ISA even provided us with excursions and put together a soccer league which brought together so many students.

My semester abroad in Barcelona at UPF was arguably the best semester of my undergraduate experience. The pre-departure organization and communication was great with lots of individualized help and attention. It was really easy to schedule meetings and get in contact with Anna since I had many questions and logistical problems prior to departing.
The course offerings weren't too flexible and once you register for your classes you cannot switch them either. I tried to drop a class I found out was no longer necessary and I was not allowed to after the first day of the program. I also didn't get my top 3 course choices. So please be flexible and be prepared to not get your first choice class. Do lots of prior research to find the most flexible program with the best classes for your major.

The things I learned and experiences and opportunities I had made up for any sort of complication or struggle I had. I learned so much more in my semester abroad than I ever would in a classroom.

I highly recommend this program to everyone!

So this is my second trip with ISA. 2 years ago, I went to Costa Rica with them. During my first trip with them, I didn't get my schedule or class times or excursion dates until a few days after we arrived in Costa Rica, making it hard to plan outside activities. We also didn't have a set time to be picked up from our flight, and details weren't sent out until about 3-4 weeks BEFORE classes started, leaving little to no time to book an affordable plane ticket. I asked about these issues I experienced the first time, and was told that any issues would be hammered out after a bit. 2 years later, I am running into the exact same problem. I am spending 14,000 dollars for 3 MONTHS in Spain, and ISA has been unable to provide me with when my Spanish class will be held, again, making it extremely hard to plan outside excursions. We were also scheduled to take a trip to Morocco, and that was something I was really excited about. It was only until I called the actual ISA office that I found there was not enough time to embark on that trip, and they were "planning on telling us" in about a week, aka about a month from the time we are expected to land in Spain. My program in Costa Rica was awesome, and I'm sure I will enjoy Barcelona, but if scheduling issues are a deal breaker for you, definitely don't enroll in this program. It's also extremely expensive, as my short 3 month semester costs just as much as a 6 month program in the same region.

The staff at ISA was incredible. Every program says their staff will be there for you, but will they really? About two months into my program I came down with a fever. It wasn't a big deal and my host mom took me to the doctor immediately. Three days later, ISA staff called me and asked me how I was doing, if my asthma was effected, and if I needed any further help or treatment. I didn't even tell them I was sick, and never had any asthma issues. Yet they knew, and were kind enough to reach out to me before I may have needed help instead of waiting until after I had a problem.

They checked in one more time a few days later and this showed me that they really do care for their students and are there to support them.

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 friends during this program and now have a second mother in Spain who was my home stay mom. The International Studies Abroad (ISA) program took us on a variety of weekend trips that were included in the program. This allowed me to see other parts of Spain that I wouldn’t have thought to travel to on my own. My favorite of these trips was to Valencia where we spent the day in awe at the beautiful architecture unique to the city. Studying abroad is an original experience that will be exciting and unique to all who embark. I ended up traveling to 14 different countries during my time in Europe and was exposed to gorgeous scenery, varying cultures, and remarkable people. I highly encourage everyone to study abroad because you will be left with the best memories and will have learned more than you ever could in your home classroom. International Studies Abroad changed my life and I plan on returning to Europe in the fall to pursue a Master’s program. The only regret I have about my study abroad experience is not staying longer!! Best of luck fellow travelers!