Eddie Grella

What are you up to these days? Have you graduated? Are you working? How did your experience in Barcelona have an impact on your life?

I made so many amazing friends, tried so many new things, learned so much about a different culture and life in general, fell in love with the culture of the city, and felt like I was truly a part of Barcelona…all this while having an incredibly fun time. There’s no one favorite thing about my experience, so it’s really just a combination of all these things.

What was your favorite place to eat in Barcelona? Favorite food?

I was extremely spoiled with amazing food during my time in Barcelona. I would say my favorite place to eat was probably Asador de Aranda on Avinguda de Tibidabo but there were so many more great places. My favorite food in Barcelona was definitely the xuixo!

What was your favorite tour, day trip, or cultural activity? Why?

My favorite cultural activity was going to Carnival in Alicante. Everybody dresses up and just has fun all night. I have lots of great memories from that night and it was an amazing example of the positive and fun-nature of the culture in Spain.

What was your housing experience like? Did you live in an apartment with other students? A homestay with a local family? A residence hall on your Barcelona campus?

I lived in an apartment in the heart of Eixample and absolutely loved it. My 6 roommates and I became amazing, life-long friends and all shared the amazing study abroad experience. The apartment was also in an awesome neighborhood/location and I was able to make friends with many of the people working in my local businesses I would visit every day. Living with other students doing the same thing as me was a great way to make friends and I would recommend it to anybody.

Is there a site in Barcelona that you would recommend to future students that may be a little more “off the beaten path”?

The neighborhood of Gracia is a great place to go experience local things and explore. I also really enjoyed the area around the Hospital Sant Pau campus at UAB.

If you had one perfect day in Barcelona where would you go, and what would you do?

In Barcelona I got into a daily routine with my classes and friends that made me feel I was living as a true Barcelona resident. So, my ideal day would start with a walk to my neighborhood cafe for a cafe con leche and a xuixo. Then, I would take the metro to class for a couple hours, grab a menu del día lunch with a bunch of friends, and then head to the beach for a couple hours in the afternoon. After the beach, I would head to a cafe for a snack and then take a bus up to the Bunkers de Carmel and watch a gorgeous sunset. Next I would take a bus back into the city and cook up dinner with my roommates. Finally, I would finish off the night (and start my next day) at one of Barcelona’s fun discotecas.

What is one piece of advice that you have for future students coming to Barcelona?

Live every second of your time abroad in the moment and make the most of your time there. The time goes by fast so really push yourself to do things out of your comfort zone and do everything you ever dreamed of while you’re there.

Why was Barcelona SAE the right program for you?

My classes and housing were awesome. The program activities and day/weekend excursions were extremely fun and great learning experiences. I always received the help I needed from the Barcelona SAE staff and they truly helped me achieve my goals while I was there. The program also allowed for great flexibility in how you wanted to personalize your experience and make what you want of it.