Barcelona SAE is committed to creating and maintaining a culture of belonging for students of diverse racial and ethnic identities, as we believe students of color bring a wealth of experiences, perspectives, and knowledge to the spaces they occupy. Barcelona is a multicultural city with hundreds of thousands of people from all corners of the globe 𑁋 you are bound to find a community to embrace and one that will embrace you!

FAST FACTS:

• About 20% of Barcelona’s population is foreign born. Most people come from Italy, Pakistan, Bolivia, Peru, China, Morocco, France, Colombia and 2% of the people living in Barcelona come from various countries in Africa.
• El Raval Barrio is one of Barcelona’s most diverse neighborhoods. It is composed of mainly Pakistani, Indonesian, Indian, and Eastern European immigrants. This neighborhood has a variety of amazing galleries, eateries, and mucho mas! 
• The Berbers occupied the majority of Spain for close to 800 years and brought art, architecture, and agricultural innovations to Spain and to Europe. 

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• How is my ethnic/racial group perceived in Barcelona? What are the stereotypes? 
• If I experience prejudice and/or discrimination based on my racial/ethnic identity, how will I take care of mental and emotional health? Who can I confide in onsite or at home? 
• Will there be other people on my study abroad program with my same racial/ethnic identity? 
• What steps will I take to build community with people of a similar racial/ethnic background in Barcelona? 

RESOURCES:

• Diversity Abroad: Dealing with Stereotypes While Studying Abroad
• Go Overseas: 10 Tips for Being BIPOC Abroad: Surviving and Thriving in Study Abroad for BIPOC Students
• Oneika the Traveller
• Diversity Abroad: Tips for Heritage Seekers Traveling Abroad 

Choosing to step out on faith and level up your education in a different part of the world far from your friends, family, and campus community makes you a boss in your own right. This decision can be exciting and frightening at the same time. Depending on the time of the year you choose to study abroad, you may miss out on homecoming celebrations, step shows, black history month celebrations, and other campus traditions. In exchange you will have the opportunity to learn a new language, enjoy some of the best cuisine in the world, relax on one of Barcelona’s amazing beaches after classes, build community with people from all over the world, study at one of Spain’s top universities, and MUCH more. As part of Barcelona SAE’s commitment to our HBCU partners, we are dedicated to guiding, supporting, and empowering you throughout your global journey. We welcome you to come to Barcelona to represent your illustrious HBCU well!

FAST FACTS:

• In Summer 2023, Barcelona SAE launched its first HBCU consortium program with our partner institutions Winston-Salem State University, Elizabeth City State University, and Bowie State University. 
• Barcelona SAE offers grants to students who attend HBCUs and other MSIs. 
• According to the Institute for International Education, less than 10% of Black students study abroad.
• Richard Wright, a famous African American writer, wrote the book Pagan Spain, detailing his experience traveling within Spain during the mid twentieth century. Richard Wright was one of the first African American writers to truly capture the plight of Black people living in America in the 19th and 20th century. One of his most notable Literary works includes the novel Native Son. 
• Langston Hughes, alumnus of Lincoln University and member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, traveled to Barcelona in 1937 on assignment for the Baltimore Afro American Newspaper to cover the Spanish civil war, which inspired him to write the poem, Air Raid Barcelona. 

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• Am I okay with studying abroad on a program with students and professors who do not look like me? 
• In what ways can I connect with people in my host community? 
• I am at peace with missing important on campus events for the time I am abroad? Am I okay with missing out on participating in any campus organizations I belong to? 
• What personal care items do I need to take with me (i.e. hair products) to ensure I look and feel my best while I am overseas? 
• Are there salons or barber shops available to care for my hair? 
• Have I done enough research on Barcelona? Are there any study abroad alumni I can speak to about their experience? 
• Will my credits transfer back to my institution? Can I get an internship credit? What is the classroom culture at my host institution? 
• Does my institution have any scholarships or grants available for me? 
• Should I encounter challenges with other students within my program, how will I address them?

RESOURCES:

• Travel Noire: Traveler Story: Living In Spain For a Semester As The Only Black Person In My Group.
• Barcelona SAE: Tips for Traveling Abroad as a Person of Color
• Twitter: HBCU Traveler
• Diversity Abroad: Navigating Spain as a Black Person
• Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship

It’s easy to dismiss the possibility of studying abroad because of the costs associated with it. Barcelona SAE recognizes that finances can be a barrier to students' global learning opportunities, and for this reason we provide scholarships, payment plans, and flexibility in program packaging. Students with high financial need study every year with Barcelona SAE 𑁋 so please do not let your financial status deter you from applying!

FAST FACTS:

• The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for students of underrepresented backgrounds to study abroad. 
• There are many free/low cost activities to enjoy in Barcelona such as local museum exhibitions, events, festivals and more! 
• If you choose to stay in a homestay, you will not have to worry about purchasing groceries every week. 
• Barcelona SAE is one of the most affordable education abroad programs in the city. For what you will pay, you will have access to quality academic courses and internships, in addition to having the opportunity to participate in multiple excursions, cultural activities, and intentional 1:1 support from our onsite staff. 

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• What expenses beyond my academics do I need to think about before studying abroad? 
• Are there people in my community who would be willing to financially support me in any capacity while I study abroad? 
• Will my financial aid cover my global experience? What scholarships are available from my home institution, Barcelona SAE, or other external resources? 
• Are there any fees associated with using my bank card abroad? What is the exchange rate between my home and host country?

RESOURCES:

• Barcelona SAE: Scholarships
• Diversity Abroad: 17 Smart and Realistic Tips for Your Study Abroad Budget 
• Go Overseas: 40 Fundraising Ideas for Study Abroad
• GoAbroad: How to Save Money for Study Abroad 
• Expanding Boundaries International: Brenda Brown Passport Scholarship Application

Being the first in your family to go to college is a major accomplishment worth celebrating, and studying or interning in Barcelona adds even more to this achievement: ¡Felicidades! First-generation college students are well-positioned for success abroad, as you may apply many of the same skills you refined during your transition to college to living and learning in Barcelona: adaptation, resourcefulness, and tenacity (to name just a few!).

FAST FACTS:

• Currently, approximately 16% of Barcelona SAE program participants report being first-generation college students. Additionally, numerous members of our equipo in both the U.S. and Spain are proud first-generation college students whose lives were changed for the better through study abroad.
• Barcelona SAE has one of the lowest student-to-staff ratios of any program in Spain, and our Cultural Mentor Program – in which all students are assigned a member of our onsite team as their ‘go-to’ for questions and support in Barcelona – means that friendly assistance and guidance is always readily available should you need it. 
• While there may be many Spanish university students who are the first in their family to enroll in an undergraduate degree program, the resources, staffing, and infrastructure dedicated to first-generation student success at a Catalan university is much less formalized than on many U.S. campuses. If you’re hoping to study at one of our partner universities or want to prioritize meeting local students, Barcelona SAE’s staff (including your mentor) can help you navigate this difference (and so many more!). 

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• What was my transition to college like? When I encountered a challenge or roadblock, no matter how big or small it might have seemed at the time, how did I navigate through? How can my past experiences help me succeed in Barcelona?
• Who is in my support system currently? Friends, family, advisors, or others? How can I still utilize this support, if I need it, while in Barcelona? 
• What about the other elements of my identity and how they intersect with being a first-generation college student – e.g., having a disability, being a member of the queer community, etc.? What will that experience be like for me while in Barcelona?
• For some first-generation college students, securing scholarships and working while in school are an important part of managing finances on campus. What scholarships or other financial assistance may be available to me at my home institution to help make studying in Barcelona financially accessible?

RESOURCES:

• Barcelona SAE Student Blog: 3 Differences Between My Home University & My Barcelona University
• Barcelona SAE: Cultural Mentor Program
• Diversity Abroad: First Generation Students Traveling Abroad

Students who wish to continue their spiritual growth and faith traditions while studying or interning abroad will find that Barcelona has much to offer in this respect. While the role and influence of Catholicism remains prominent in Spanish daily life, a variety of active religious communities exist within the city and welcome visiting students into their congregations and services.

FAST FACTS:

• The city of Barcelona has over 900 religious organizations registered within the municipal directory; including temples, synagogues, mosques, churches, and more!
• The Sagrada Familia, perhaps Barcelona’s most iconic structure and unfinished architectural masterpiece, offers mass and services regularly for locals and visitors alike in multiple languages.
• Judaism and Islam have strong historical and cultural relevance in Spain and Catalonia, and there are numerous synagogues, mosques, and cultural centers to support worshippers in Barcelona. 

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• How do I practice my faith at home or while at school? Is finding a faith community or congregation important for my spiritual growth and wellbeing in Barcelona? 
• Are there any accommodations or resources I am accustomed to on my home campus – prayer rooms, student organizations, religious or spiritual life staff, etc. – that I would like to or need to continue while in Barcelona? 
• Are there kosher, halal, or other dietary considerations a part of my faith that I need to proactively research and plan for while in Barcelona?
• What holidays, celebrations, or observances essential to my faith will be taking place while I am in Barcelona? Is it important for me to have a community or congregation to be with during these times?

RESOURCES:

• Barcelona SAE Student Blog: Cultural Expressions in Poble Sec
• City of Barcelona: Office of Religious Affairs
• City of Barcelona: Religious Directory

Barcelona has long been an important cultural and social hub for the queer community in Spain and Europe, and the Catalan capital offers various opportunities and resources to further visiting LGBTQIA2S+ and queer study abroad students’ identity exploration and development. While there are important, unique health, safety, and wellbeing considerations even in cosmopolitan areas such as Barcelona, studying or interning abroad with Barcelona SAE is a rewarding and meaningful experience for many queer students. 

FAST FACTS:

• In 1977, inspired by Stonewall in the United States, activists organized what is widely-considered to be Spain’s first Pride. Organized as a protest against oppressive laws and disparate treatment, 4,000 demonstrators crowded Barcelona’s famous Las Ramblas demanding progress and acceptance.
• There are many queer-centered and affirming spaces and events throughout the city - including film festivals, Pride celebrations, bars and cafes, health clinics, and much more ; however, what is considered the ‘gayborhood’ is in l'Eixample, or sometimes referred to as gaixample.
• Barcelona SAE’s staff, instructors, and local host families all participate in regular trainings and ongoing professional development on LGBTQIA2S+ inclusion and queer student support. 

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• Is being ‘out’ and active in the Barcelona queer community important to me (or an option for me) while abroad? If so, what organizations or activities can I seek out that will help me connect with other LGBTQIA2S+ folks? 
• What other elements of my identity – religion, country or community of origin, race, etc. – inform and shape my queerness at home? What will that experience be like for me while in Barcelona?
• What about my housing and home environment in Barcelona? Is living in Barcelona SAE’s gender inclusive housing of interest or what is most appropriate for me?
• Thinking about how I nurture and support my physical, mental, and emotional health and wellness at home, are there steps I need to take to make sure I have access to those in Barcelona? (e.g., availability of certain medications, therapists, specialists, or other care providers, etc.)

RESOURCES:

• Barcelona SAE: Gender Inclusive Housing
• U.S. Department of State: LGBTQI+ Travelers 
• L’Observatori contra l'Homofòbia: Resources on the community and social/political climate in Catalonia
• BCN Checkpoint: A community-based health clinic focused on sexual health and wellbeing for the queer community
• Panteres Grogues: LGBTQIA2S+ sports leagues, dance classes, choirs, and more to participate in while in Barcelona.

While general queer/LGBTQIA+ student resources may be relevant and helpful, Barcelona SAE recognizes that transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive students interested in studying or interning in Barcelona deserve more tailored information and guidance. Included below are fast facts, prompts for personal reflection, and additional resources to better understand the broader trans experience and community in Spain for visiting students.  

FAST FACTS:

• All of Barcelona SAE’s partner universities (UAB, UB, and UPF) make changing preferred names and gender on university records accessible, and also have anti-discrimination plans and policies that address transphobia and cisgenderism.
• As of 2023, Spain allows residents 16 years-old and older to change their registered gender without providing documentation of gender dysphoria from a physician or psychologist.
• Parc de la Ciutadella, just a short walk from Barcelona SAE’s classrooms and offices, includes an important public memorial commemorating the life of trans woman, Sonia Rescalvo, which sparked greater advocacy and protections for the transgender community in Barcelona. 

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• Where am I in my gender journey? How will studying or interning in Barcelona affect my understanding of myself and my transness or queerness (or other aspects of myself)? 
• Is having friendship or community support in the trans, non-binary, and broader LGBTQIA2S+ communities something that is important to me and, if so, is this something I would want to pursue in Spain? 
• What about my housing and  home environment in Barcelona? Is living in Barcelona SAE’s gender inclusive housing of interest or what is most appropriate for me?
• Thinking about how I nurture and support my physical, mental, and emotional health and wellness at home, are there steps I need to take to make sure I have access to those in Barcelona? (e.g., availability of certain medications, therapists, specialists, or other care providers, etc.)

RESOURCES:

• Barcelona SAE: Gender Inclusive Housing
• IGLTA: Travel Tips for Transgender, Genderqueer and Non-Binary Wanderlusters
• The Gender In Language Project: Gender Inclusive Pronouns and Grammar in Catalan and Spanish
• ILGA Europe: Spain
• Say It With Your Chest Podcast: Joss Jaycoff (she/they) on Spanish Legislation, pronouns and non binary identities
• The Barcelona LGBTI Center: Trans-specific services and events, including for TDOV and TDOR, throughout the year

Students who have a disability and chose to study abroad possess a grit that sets them apart from other students. We recognize it’s not easy to take the chance to study in a different part of the world given your unique identity, that’s why our amazing staff is ready to listen to what your needs are and provide them for you, as we are committed to ensuring you have the most enriching experience in Barcelona. We believe your disability is your superpower and we would be thrilled to have you study on one of our programs!

FAST FACTS:

• According to the National Library of Medicine, 8.5% of Barcelona’s population has a recognized disability. 
• Barcelona is one of the most accessible cities in Europe. For example, at least 90% of all public transport is accessible. Additionally, Barcelona beaches are also highly accessible, as there entry ways specifically designed to accommodate persons with disabilities, as well as attendants who help those with limited mobility enter and exit the water. 
• Each year Barcelona hosts Festival Inclus, which is an international film festival that highlights the reality of people with disabilities. During the festival, attendees not only get to watch awesome films, they also get to participate in discussions, workshops, and mucho mas! 
• Presently, nearly 10% of students who study abroad with Barcelona SAE require accommodations to meet their unique needs. 
• According to the Institute of International Education, the percentage of students with disabilities who study abroad has increased from 2.6 percent to 9.2 percent in the span of 11 years (2007-2018). 

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• What’s the local population’s attitude towards those who have disabilities? Am I comfortable with being asked questions about my disability? How will I react if someone makes an offensive or insensitive comment towards me?
• Am I willing and able to incur any extra expenses to accommodate my disability?
• How accessible is my host institution and community? 
• Do I have the equipment I need to accommodate my disability? Will I have access to any necessary medications? Is my medication legal in my host country? 
• Will I be able to participate in all activities and excursions while on my program? 

RESOURCES:

• Adjuntamente de Barcelona: Accessibility
• Mobiliity International usa: Honoring Women Leaders with Disabilities 
• Diversity Abroad: Students with Disabilities Abroad
• Gooverseas: 7 Tips for Studying Abroad with Disabilities and Chronic Conditions
• U.S. Department of State: Travelers with Disabilities 
• https://wheelmap.org/search?q=barcelona 

Students who are from rural communities and/or small towns enrich classrooms and campuses both at home and abroad, and an education abroad experience – particularly in a major metropolitan area such as Barcelona – presents an opportunity to experience a different culture and language, as well as a distinct urban lifestyle and public infrastructure in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.

FAST FACTS:

• According to recent surveys, both the United States and Spain have roughly 19% of their total populations residing in rural areas.
• Barcelona has a population of approximately 1.6 million; this is comparable to the populations of Phoenix, AZ or Philadelphia, PA. While the city might be larger than some students are accustomed to, Barcelona SAE’s low student-to-staff ratio provides a close-knit, supportive environment that assists in adjusting to life in an urban area. 
• Barcelona SAE program participants come from diverse colleges and universities across the United States; including numerous campuses designated as rural-serving institutions. This means students from rural communities and/or small towns likely will not be “the only one” from these areas/backgrounds on our programs, and that our team in Barcelona has extensive experience – many coming from rural communities themselves – supporting this student population. 

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• What are some of the attributes of a smaller or more rural community that I enjoy? (e.g., the close community). Knowing that Barcelona will be much larger, how can I recreate that enjoyment or find comparable resources/communities/opportunities in an urban setting? 
• What experience do I have with public transportation (taxis, metros and subways, etc.)? Since this will be a large part of daily life in Barcelona, what steps can I take now to prepare or gain more familiarity?
• How have I navigated transition to a new environment (like coming to college; moving to a new town or school; etc.) previously? What helped me in the past, and how can I adapt or apply that to studying and living abroad?

RESOURCES:

• Barcelona SAE: How To Use The Bus & Metro In Barcelona
• Barcelona SAE Bucket List: 100 Things To Do In And Around Barcelona For First-Time Visitors
• Barcelona SAE Student Blog: A Home Away From Home – Things That Helped Me Make Barcelona Home
• GoAbroad: 7 Reasons Why Small Town America Should Study Abroad

Many students who have cultural or familial ties to Spain – including students with roots in Latin America, the Caribbean, and elsewhere (sometimes referred to as ‘heritage seekers’) – experience a range of unique emotions when considering studying or interning in Barcelona: excitement, curiosity, uncertainty, y mucho más. These feelings are completely valid, and the following curated information – fast facts, questions to consider, and resources – serve as a great place to start when preparing for your term in Catalonia.

FAST FACTS

• According to the Instituto Nacional de Estadistica, over 3 million people currently residing in Spain were born in Latin America and the Caribbean (Top locations of origin: Argentina, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic)
• Regular cultural events, celebrations, and fiestas take place in Barcelona throughout the year, including: La Feria del Grito, Dia de Muertos, y mas
• Barcelona is a multi-lingual city with many residents speaking Castellano and Catalan. If you grew-up speaking Spanish at home with friends and family and/or you have studied it previously, there likely will be words, phrases, and slang used in Spain and Catalonia which differs from what you may use or be familiar with. That’s OK, and it is part of the cultural exchange and learning associated with study abroad. It’s important to keep in mind there is no “right” or “wrong” but rather unique differences to be appreciated.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• What is my connection to Barcelona or to Spain? – familial, cultural, etc. Where did this connection come from?
• What do I already know about Barcelona? In what ways will Barcelona (and Spain in general) be similar or perhaps different from what my family members or others in my community have shared with me?
• Is it important for me to connect with locals in Barcelona who share my unique cultural, ethnic, or national identity and background? If so, how may Barcelona SAE help best facilitate that for me?
• If you speak Spanish, how will you prepare for differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, and culture which may arise both in and out of the classroom?

RESOURCES:

• MEXCAT: Mexico en Barcelona
• El Pais: How Latin American people are finding a new home in Spain
• YouTube: Mexican in Spain: My 5 cultural shocks
• Babbel: Difference between European and Latin American Spanish
• The Atlantic: Traveling While Latino

Are you a parent? Are you a graduate student? Are you over the age of 25? For a variety of reasons, many students are not able to study abroad during their undergraduate experience or did not attend college while they were between the ages of 18-22. As a non traditional study abroad student, you have remarkable advantages that will make your study abroad experience truly memorable. Your maturity and life experience will enrich your global education journey and though you are a student yourself, other students and professors may have the privilege of learning from you.

FAST FACTS:

• Barcelona SAE offers short term study abroad opportunities for students, you are not required to spend an entire semester in Barcelona if you are unable to. 
• Barcelona has a large community of expats, many of who come from a variety of professional backgrounds, that hold events throughout the year. The best way to find out about these events is to join Facebook groups and through MeetUp. 
• It can feel isolating to study abroad with a cohort of students who are much younger than you. We recommend you make an effort to try and build a relationship with your classmates. However, there are many ways you can meet other people within Barcelona, for example, you can volunteer for organizations related to education, social projects, environmental organizations, and through your host university as well. 

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• How will my responsibilities/obligations be managed while I am away? 
• Will there be other people in a similar phase of life as me on my program? Will I be able to build a community in my host country with people who are similar to me?
• Does my program have housing accommodations that are suitable for me? How does my host community perceive non-traditional students? 
• Do I have enough financial resources to sustain myself while I am away? 
• What sacrifices must I make to participate in this program? 
• How will studying abroad add to the skills and knowledge I already have? 

RESOURCES:

• Diversity Abroad: Must Ask Questions for Adult Students Traveling Abroad
• College Scholarships: Scholarships for Your Non-Traditional Situation
• HuffPost: The Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad As a Mature Student