Study Abroad | Barcelona

Housing

HomeSTAY

The best way to improve your Spanish and immerse yourself in Spanish life and culture.

• Shared room with another AIFS student (single room available for $545 Fall 2023/Spring 2024 or $595 Fall 2024/Spring 2025 supplement)
• Breakfast and dinner Monday through Friday
• Weekly laundry

Optional Apartment ($445 Fall 2023/Spring 2024 or $495 Fall 2024/Spring 2025 supplemENT)

Stay in a shared apartment in a centrally located neighborhood of Barcelona.

• Live with up to 5 other AIFS students
• Apartments may be co-ed
• Shared double room (single room available for $845 Fall 2023/Spring2024 or $895 Fall 2024/Spring2025 supplement)
• Communal kitchen, living area and bathroom(s)
• Fully furnished with laundry facilities

Optional Student Residence ($1,645 Fall 2023/Spring 2024 or $1,745 Fall 2024/Spring 2025 supplement)

Situated in the downtown neighborhood of L’Eixample; one of the most green and recreational areas of Barcelona and near several bus lines and metro stops, which provide easy access to the university (and the beach!) in less than 30 minutes.

• Single room
• Shared kitchen and bathroom
• Laundry facilities
• Access to small gym and pool

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Barcelona

City Facts

Language

Along with speaking Spanish, most people in Barcelona speak the regional language of Catalan as their native language. You will see signs in both languages throughout the city; it’s an excellent opportunity to be exposed to another language rich in culture.

Architecture

Barcelona is one of Spain’s most energetic and vibrant cities. Not only will you find amazing modern and art nouveau architecture throughout the cities of Spain, you will also find world famous UNESCO Heritage Sites- the most in any one country after Italy.

Site Staff

AIFS in Barcelona Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Maya Edwards

¡Hola! Greetings from beautiful Barcelona, a city I love to call “home.” Having lived in many cities in Spain, I’ll be a great resource for you while you’re here in Barcelona. An educator and study abroad professional, I’ve been working with students both in Spain and in the U.S. for over 15 years. I earned a B.A. in Spanish and Communications, an M.A. in Spanish, and am completing a Ph.D. in Spanish Literature and Cultural Studies. I love working with students and am happy to help you navigate your own journey in Spain, Barcelona and beyond: broadening academic and personal horizons, making the most of your time in this amazing place.

My favorite aspect of being Program Director is spending time with students and seeing how much they grow after their study abroad experience in Spain. The AIFS Barcelona team is always eager to offer our guidance and support, as well as share ideas on how to make the most out of your stay. Barcelona is a beautiful and fascinating city; perfect for a study abroad program, not just because of its proximity to the beach!

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

Cultural Activities

In addition to day trips and excursions, a cultural calendar of weekly activities and social events is included in your program fee. These activities will include both typical tourist sites and attractions and lesser known visits which take advantage of the expert knowledge of our local AIFS staff and give you a more authentic and insightful view of Spanish life. Typical activities, tours and visits include:

• Guided city tour
• Welcome and farewell dinner
• Gothic Quarter and Cathedral
• Gaudí’s Park Güell
• The Sagrada Família Basílica
• Cooking class
• Wellness week
• Flamenco performance
• Barcelona from a Different Perspective walking tour

You may be asked to pay a small supplementary fee for some events.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities are available through a local NGO to provide services to people in need within the local community. 

Intercambios

UPF and AIFS organize a program of “intercambios” (conversation exchange) in which you can practice your Spanish with a native speaker while a Spanish speaker practices their English with you! The professors of English are always eager to find American students to participate in this program.