Teagan Potter

If you were to sum up your Barcelona experience in one to two words, what would you say? My Barcelona Experience is…

Unforgettably amazing!

Explain why you chose those words.

On every block of Barcelona, there is a wonder to behold. During my four months here, not a single day has been wasted because there are amazing cultural and historical sites on the simplest of walks. Each part of the city contributes something special to the city as a whole, and with the help of many many pictures, I can never forget my experience here in Barcelona.

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

My favorite restaurant is Txapela which serves strictly tapas. My favorite? Patatas bravas, hands down. If you pair it with a Fanta Naranja, you have the perfect combination!

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

I loved the tour of the Gothic Quarter at the very beginning of the semester because I learned an incredible amount about the history of the city I was about to spend 4 months in. The tour really helped me understand and appreciate why Barcelona is so magnificent!

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 LOVED my housing! I stayed with a host family in Sant Marti. My house mom, Conchita, was the sweetest and most caring woman I have ever met. Every single day, she greeted us with a smile and truly cared about our days. Her dinners were the highlight of my day. We would constantly be laughing surrounded by some of the most delicious food I have ever had. I can’t recommend living in a home stay enough. You truly get to see how a Catalan lives!

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

I would recommend going to Spice Cafe! It’s not culturally enriching or anything, but the carrot cake there is absolutely amazing. It’s also a perfect place to study!

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

If I had one perfect day in Barcelona, I would start my day off with a run along Barceloneta or up in Collserola National Park (two of the most beautiful places in Barcelona), then I would have lunch at a cafe. It doesn’t really matter to me which one because I love to experiment. If they have pan con tomate, it’s always a plus! After lunch, I would head out to Parc de la Ciutadella for some reading and people watching. I have never felt more at peace than when I am lounging at the park. Afterwards, I would wander around the Gothic Quarter and do a little window shopping. Then, I would possibly hike up to the Bunkers of Carmel for a beautiful view of the sunset! As soon as the sun sets, I know it’s time to go to dinner with my wonderful house mom who always cooks a delicious meal. Then, if it truly was a perfect Barcelona day, I would catch a Barcelona game at the pub with a few friends!

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

My advice would be to take a history class! My professor, Layla, gave me so much insight about the history of Barcelona, allowing me to appreciate the city so much more.

Why was Barcelona SAE the right program for you?

Barcelona SAE was the right program for me because it allowed me to live with a homestay in a magnificent city while still having courses that transfer one-for-one at my home university. It was truly a win-win situation!