A Week of Reasons to Study Abroad in Barcelona

Join me for a week in Barcelona, my true home... Oh how I miss it there!

MONDAY

It’s a Monday, around 9:15am and you have woken up to the chatter of Catalan from the narrow halls and the smell of fresh cooking from the other apartments surrounding yours.  You have plenty of time to kill before your 12:30 p.m. Spanish Art class and decide to go explore some of the city before you head toward the CEA study abroad program in Barcelona. Living just minutes from Sagrada Familia, you decide to go check out one of the amazing wonders of the world.

Sagrada Familia, close-up!

TUESDAY

CEA, doing an amazing job trying to immerse the students with the culture and lifestyle of the Spanish people, provides a Tapas cooking workshop after the day of classes. Making things such as calamari and stuffed peppers really gets you excited to try more of the delicious Spanish dishes you can find around Barcelona.

Delicious Stuffed Peppers

Calamari... Yum!

WEDNESDAY

There is no such thing as Hump Day in Barcelona with there being so many things to see and do around the city. Even if you just have an hour to kill before your next class, there is always a museum to visit or a store to pop into. One of the coolest things about CEA Barcelona is that it is located in Placa de Catalunya, the center of the city. You are able to get to the Gothic Quarter in less than 5 minutes or tour the amazing Gaudi architectures around the city in just a few minutes walk. Some of the best time killers is going on a tour of the many museums on  Manzana de la Discordia (Block of Discord) or walking down the Ramblas and grabbing a quick bite at the Boqueria.

Beautiful Catedral de Barcelona

THURSDAY

It’s the last day of classes for the week and there is no better way to unwind and relax than by checking out the amazing Barcelona sunsets. One of the best spots in the city can be found at the Bunkers. Here, you will be able to see a 360-degree view of the city, yet it is quite a trek to the top, it is so worth it in the end. So gather your roommates and friends and head up for a sight you will not regret.

Good times; great friends

Beautiful sunsets from Bunkers

FRIDAY

It’s approximately 6pm on a Friday night and you hear chanting throughout the streets of Barcelona. Today is the FCBarcelona vs. Villarreal fútbol game and the entire city is excited. The hype that surrounds fútbol here is amazing; everyone is a loyal and dedicated fan and shows it (especially on game day). Heading down to the stadium on the Metro, you see Messi and other player’s jerseys every place you look. Having the privilege to attend one of these events is something that is quite fascinating. The team spirit and the joy that you feel when entering the stadium is like nothing you have experienced in a Baseball or Football game in America. Something that is highly recommended!

FCBarcelona, IRL!

SATURDAY

Wakey, wakey, its time for one of the coolest things you’ll ever see in Barcelona! What may it be you ask, well just 30+ people standing on top of one another making amazing pyramids and shapes with their bodies. It is one of the must see things here in Barcelona and also the most nerve-racking at that. Over 2,000 people meet up in the Gothic Quarter to see these Castellers stack humans on top of one another from ages ranging from 5 years old to 50 years old. What a show!

Castleing: are always a good idea... to watch

SUNDAY

Sunday Funday, the best day of the week (I would say), a time to gather all of your new friends that you have met abroad and take a stroll around the city. Having the Metro at your fingertips and stops all over the city makes it so easy to jump on and off whenever you want. It is the fastest (and cheapest) way to get around the city. One of the best ways to spend your Sunday is taking the metro to Jaume I and strolling through Parc Ciutadella. On most weekends, they have fun festivals whether it be food trucks, music, or dancing that always make your Sunday’s there well spent.

Study abroad friends are some of the best!

Ari A. is a CEA alumna. She studied abroad in Barcelona in the Fall of 2015. She is currently a senior at University of Arizona.