Study Abroad | Barcelona

Housing

HomeSTAY

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

• Double room shared with another AIFS Abroad participant
• Breakfast and dinner Monday through Friday
• Weekly laundry
• Single room, $695 Fall 2026

Optional Apartment

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

• Live with up to 6 other AIFS Abroad students
• Apartments may be co-ed
• Communal kitchen, living area and bathroom(s)
• Fully furnished with laundry facilities
• Double room shared with another AIFS Abroad participant, $900 Fall 2026
• Single room, $1300 Fall 2026

Optional Student Residence

Situated in a vibrant neighborhood of Barcelona within walking distance of the city’s beautiful beaches and the awesome Sagrada Familia. Located near several bus lines and metro stops, which provide easy access to universities in less than 30 minutes.

• State of the art shared kitchen facilities
• Laundry facilities
• Access to onsite gym
• Stunning rooftop swimming pools with views of the Barcelona skyline
• Study areas, cinema and games room
• Single room with private bathroom, $2250 Fall 2026

Internet access is included in all AIFS Abroad 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 Abroad in Barcelona Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Maya Edwards, Ph.D.

¡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 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 Abroad 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 Abroad 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 meals
• Gothic Quarter and Cathedral
• Gaudí’s Park Güell
• The Sagrada Família Basílica
• Cooking class
• Wellness week
• Flamenco performance
• Tours and workshops designed to learn about Barcelona from another perspective

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

Volunteer Opportunities

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