Rich grew up in the great city of Chicago, but has called Barcelona home for over 20 years.
Rich's studies in Spanish and Russian Language and Culture led him on a path toward study abroad ever since high school. Starting with a summer in St. Petersburg, Russia then a semester in Madrid, Spain, there is no doubt that his study abroad experiences shaped his future. He later did an internship in Milan, Italy, led student groups through Spain, and volunteered in the Philippines. After earning his M.A. in Spanish Applied Linguistics, Rich taught Spanish History and Culture to study abroad students in Barcelona.
Since 2002, Rich has organized and directed all aspects of study abroad in Barcelona. He regularly presents at International Education Conferences on various topics and also works as an intercultural consultant for multinationals in Spain.
LET'S CONNECT! My Culture Stock Newsletters are specifically designed for Study Abroad Offices and faculty leaders to help you gain valuable tips on increasing cultural awareness and reach your international education goals.
Order Rich's Book
Like a Fish in Water is your personal guide to international living. Learn how to adapt to any culture, fit in with the locals, and turn what you thought were challenges into exciting opportunities. Because done right, studying abroad will dramatically expand your horizons—not just in your professional career, but for the rest of your life.
“We chose to partner with Barcelona SAE because of Rich and his never-ending positivity and love for Barcelona. We were desperate for a Spain semester program that catered to the curriculum we needed and the cost that our students are constrained by. We were excited about the program ourselves, and in the end, we were right as our students raved about the Barcelona SAE program.”
Melanie McCallon Seib
Murray State University
“We knew that we needed to partner with someone that had a lot of credibility and a lot of experience working with students, and so Barcelona SAE was the perfect organization to work with. They took a lot of those different logistics components off of my plate so that it became much easier for me to simply work with the students and curate the right experience for the students coming abroad.”
Dan Young
Goldey-Beacom College
“Barcelona SAE is one of my all-time favorite programs...when students want to go to Barcelona, I point them to you! I know that I can call your team up anytime to ask anything and that is really helpful. The staff is so friendly with the students, and I like that you let me know what my students are up to onsite through the customized advisor newsletters. I also love the Barcelona SAE Bucket List.”
Sara Robinson
University of Wyoming