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Ready to explore what an AIFS Abroad program in Spain is like? We recently connected with Amiya from Howard University, who studied abroad in Barcelona during the spring semester.
Discover how Amiya’s study abroad experience in Barcelona helped her explore Europe and develop a global perspective!
Choosing a Study Abroad Destination
Choosing a study abroad destination often depends on a variety of factors, including cultural interests, language, and academic considerations. Hear why Amiya chose Barcelona:
“One of my lifelong goals is to become fluent in Spanish, so studying in a Spanish-speaking country was a top priority for me. What drew me to Barcelona specifically was the incredible diversity of things to do and see. It truly offers a little bit of everything. From the mountains of Montserrat to Barceloneta Beach and the lively urban center, Barcelona gave me access to a range of landscapes and experiences.
I also knew I wanted to study in a city with a strong urban feel, and Barcelona delivered. It has the fast-paced energy of a big city, but plenty of room for exploration, nature, and cultural immersion. I would absolutely recommend Barcelona, especially for those who enjoy city life but still want the option to go on adventures. It’s also a great spot for anyone who loves nightlife.”
Academics Abroad
When you study abroad, you can benefit from a completely new academic environment. Take unique classes, dive into various global perspectives, and enjoy the perks of an international campus. Below, Amiya explains her academic experience in Spain:
“I attended the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Overall, I had a really great experience with the school… I really enjoyed my classes abroad. All of my classes were full of international students. I found it interesting that some of my professors weren’t from Barcelona either. I had professors from many regions in Spain, and a few Professors from Germany as well.”
Hear Amiya explain how her study abroad classes compared to classes at her home university in the U.S.:
“While I studied abroad, many of my classes were hands-on and interactive, which was a big change from the more lecture-based courses I’m used to at home. Back in my home [university], classes typically have 30–50 students, and the classrooms are often large lecture halls. In contrast, my classes abroad were capped at around 30 students, creating a more intimate and engaging learning environment.
Most professors understood that we were study abroad students hoping to experience the culture beyond the classroom, so the workload was manageable. I was able to stay on top of my assignments while still enjoying my weekends for travel and exploration.
One of my favorite aspects of the academic experience was the flexibility in scheduling. I was able to choose my own classes and build a schedule that worked well for me. I had classes from late Monday afternoon through Thursday afternoon, which meant I had long weekends from Thursday evening to Monday morning. I took full advantage of that free time to travel and make the most of my study abroad experience.
Also, it’s worth noting that the campus I attended was primarily for study abroad students, which created a unique and supportive learning community.”
Language Learning
While learning a second language is not required for you to study abroad, many students like Amiya enroll in language learning courses. Hear about Amiya’s experience learning Spanish in Barcelona:
“While the primary languages in Barcelona are Spanish and Catalan, I found that many people I interacted with spoke a good amount of English, just as I knew enough Spanish to get by. That balance helped in day-to-day situations, but it also motivated me to improve my language skills.
When it comes to learning a language abroad, I highly recommend enrolling in a native language class while you’re in the country. It gives you the structure to build on what you know and the confidence to use it in real-life situations. I’d also suggest choosing a homestay if possible and if [you are] comfortable with this option. It pushes you to immerse yourself in the language and creates more opportunities to practice.”
Housing
Housing is included in all AIFS Abroad programs—it’s a great opportunity to bond with other AIFS Abroad students and/or connect with a local host! Hear Amiya describe her experience in a homestay:
“I lived in a homestay and had a very positive experience. My host family was incredibly welcoming to both my roommate and me. It was a unique setup because our host mom was native to Spain, while our host dad was English and American. That dynamic created a great balance. If I ever had trouble understanding something in Spanish, our host dad was able to help translate or explain words and phrases, which made communication much smoother.
Living in a homestay enriched my study abroad experience because it pushed me to grow, communicate more clearly, and embrace cultural exchange on a deeper level.”
Making Friends Abroad
Whether you go abroad alone or with a friend, studying abroad lends itself to creating strong friendships, as Amiya explains:
“I built my closest connection with my roommate—we were incredibly close during the program and still keep in touch even after study abroad ended. I made friends with a handful of people within the AIFS program. One piece of advice I’d give to future students is to attend as many AIFS-led events as possible, especially in the beginning. Those early events are a great way to meet people, break the ice, and start building your community from day one.”
Social Events & Trips
As Amiya explained, AIFS Abroad trips and activities are a great way to bond with fellow study abroad students. Every AIFS Abroad program features social and cultural activities that are included in the program fees. Plus, many programs offer trips and excursions that help you explore your host country and beyond! Below, Amiya describes her experience with AIFS Abroad activities and trips:
“I made it a priority to attend as many events as possible. I participated in the orientation activities, the 4-day weekend trip to Basque Country, the calçot tasting excursion, and trips to Tarragona, Girona, Sevilla, Granada, Valencia, Montserrat, and a few others!Outside of the excursions, I took a cooking class through the program where I learned how to make chicken paella and Catalan cream—one of my favorite experiences. I also participated in a volunteer event with Top Manta, which gave me the opportunity to engage with the local community in a meaningful way.
What made many of these experiences so memorable was how unexpectedly beautiful and rich these places were. A lot of the destinations weren’t spots I would’ve thought to visit on my own, but they exceeded my expectations. I was genuinely stunned by the variety of landscapes, cultures, and energy each place had to offer—it added so much depth to my study abroad experience.”
In addition to trips and excursions included in the program price, AIFS Abroad may also offer other weekend trips that are available for an additional fee. As Amiya explains, she’s so glad she participated:
“I invested in both of the long weekend trips offered through the AIFS study abroad program, including the 4-day trip to Basque Country and the 3-day trip to Seville, Granada, and Andalucía. I would absolutely recommend taking advantage of these optional trips.
These experiences opened my eyes to parts of Spain I might not have thought to visit on my own—and I’m so glad I did. Each place had its own unique energy, culture, and beauty. I was genuinely stunned by the different environments, from the coastal charm of San Sebastián to the historic richness of Andalucía. These trips added so much value to my overall experience and helped me appreciate the diversity within Spain itself.”
Not only can you travel with AIFS Abroad during your program, but you’re also free to set out on your own when you’re not in class, as Amiya did:
“My roommate and I had a habit of choosing a location without making any concrete reservations—and honestly, those spontaneous trips led to the best adventures. We’d explore cities on foot, stumble upon hidden gems, and go on fun ‘side quests.’”
Personal & Professional Growth
AIFS Abroad participants consistently report how our programs helped them to grow both personally and professionally. Listen to Amiya explain the impact of her program on her personal and professional future:
“This experience deepened my interest in entrepreneurship and marketing on an international scale. Seeing how different cultures approach branding, business, and communication inspired me to think more globally when it comes to my own goals. Now, I’m more confident in pursuing opportunities that involve cross-cultural collaboration, whether that’s through internships, graduate school, or eventually launching a business with international reach.
Most importantly, studying abroad reminded me that I’m capable of adapting, learning, and thriving wherever I go—and that mindset is going to carry me into whatever’s next.”
Why AIFS Abroad?
There are so many great reasons to choose AIFS Abroad, such as our inclusive housing options, trips and excursions, supportive on-site staff, and a wide range of programs around the world. Here’s why Amiya chose AIFS Abroad:
“I first heard about AIFS during my freshman year at a study abroad fair on campus. After doing more research, I ultimately chose AIFS because it offered not only the location I was most interested in (Barcelona) but also a wide range of experiences beyond the classroom. What really stood out to me were the opportunities for cultural immersion through excursions, local events, and hands-on learning.”
Below, Aimya explains a few things she appreciated about our program:
“One of the things I appreciated most about AIFS was how accessible and transparent the student experience felt. Their website featured student blogs, spotlights, and social media takeovers, which gave me a firsthand look at what studying abroad with AIFS was really like. As someone who didn’t personally know anyone who had gone through the program, those authentic stories helped me feel more confident in my decision.
I definitely stopped by the AIFS center a few times during my time abroad, mainly to talk with the staff about study abroad topics and just check in. It was comforting to know there was always someone there to talk to who understood what we were going through as students adjusting to a new environment.”
Are you a student ready to take the leap and study abroad like Amiya did in Barcelona with AIFS Abroad? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students study abroad. Our programs are incredibly inclusive, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.