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Cultural Advantages2026-02-18T10:30:59+01:00
Students enjoying Friday excursions, cooking classes and Staff-led outings

Exclusive Cultural Advantages

Are you looking for a truly immersive experience?

By studying abroad with ALBA you will have access to a variety of cultural activities (included in the program fee) that will introduce you to the local way of life.

Sponsored Excursions
Cooking Classes
Staff Led Outings

What Students Have to Say About This

Homestay: Your Family Abroad

Cultural Advantages|

Want to improve your Spanish? Live like a local? Have someone to show you the ropes and the hidden gems around the city? Living with a host family will give you all these opportunities and more! My name is Lexy and I chose to live with a host family during my time as a student at ALBA Study Abroad Barcelona for Fall quarter of 2021. Here is an insight to my experience and some advice I have for choosing the Family Homestay Option during your time here in Barcelona.

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Costa Brava Spain’s Hidden Gem

Excursions|

When we first arrived in Costa Brava early on a sunny Friday, I was in awe that a beautiful oasis existed so close to the busy chaos that is the city of Barcelona. As a result, it only took me a couple of minutes after setting foot out of the ALBA van to truly appreciate the serenity and peace that can really only be found in nature.

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Cadaqués Getaway

Excursions|

Before coming to Barcelona I discovered this beautiful little town on Instagram. I was captivated by the pictures of blue Mediterranean water next to the white buildings on the coast. I knew I had to go! Cadaqués is a hidden little village alongside [...]

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Weekend Sponsored Excursions

No classes scheduled for Fridays! Instead, we will be visiting amazing destinations all around Catalonia, allowing us to enjoy the scenery, discover the local cuisine and learn all about the culture.

ALBA students on an excursion to Girona
Student taking a photo of Tibidabo from afar

Barcelona Secret Forest

Light hike, great views of Barcelona
Girona Onya river

Girona

Medieval Streets & Modern Catalan Culture
Student overlooking the valley at Rupit

Pre-Pyrenees Medieval Village

Waterfall Trails
Costa Brava

Costa Brava Adventure Day

Hike, Swim, Explore
Excursion with students to Montserrat

Montserrat

Iconic Mountain & 1,000-year-old Monastery
Students kayaking in summer
 Summer Exclusive

Kayaks & Coves of Costa Brava

Mediterranean Adventure

ALBA and Spanish Trails have been working in perfect symbiosis since 2010, bringing the experience of true Catalan traditions, gastronomy, culture and the most amazing landscapes of Barcelona and its surroundings.

A table full of Spanish dishes

Cooking Classes

In these hands-on cooking classes, you will truly discover the local cuisine!

With the guidance of our local cooking teacher Chef Mariela, you will have the opportunity to create, cook, and eat traditional Spanish and Catalan dishes. At the end of each class, you will enjoy the dishes that you have prepared in a friendly and casual atmosphere! Classes take place every other week and are taught in English, with an opportunity to practice your Spanish as well, putting your language skills to good use in the kitchen!

Chef Mariela Profile photo

Chef Mariela

“Hi, My name is Mariela, I am the Chef here at ALBA. 

In my Spanish Cooking Classes, you’ll learn how to prepare some of Spain’s most delicious traditional dishes: patatas bravas, tortilla española, croquetas, and more. 

I’ll be there with you every step of the way teaching you everything you need to know to be confident in the kitchen: From how to hold a knife to the story behind Valencia’s famous Paella. We’ll be sharing tips along the way and what’s most important is that you’ll have the chance to taste each meal you prepare. Are you ready? Let’s get cooking!”

Favorite dish to cook: A classic homemade pasta with red sauce and basil, my 90-year-old Italian neighbor taught me how to make this dish so it holds a special place in my heart.

How would you describe yourself: Free.

Someone you admire: My Grandfather. He used to cook a lot, most of my passion for food comes from him.  

Favorite place in BCN: The Gothic Quarter but especially PORK… boig per tu which is an incredible restaurant.

Favorite saying: You don’t need a whole lot to be happy, there is so much happiness in freedom.

The thing that you can’t live without: My dog, Pongo.

Recipes

Delicious rabbit and chicken Paella

Meat and vegetable Paella

Spanish Omelette

Spanish Omelette

Roasted Artichokes

Roasted Artichokes with Romesco Sauce

Staff-Led Outings

Join us on a casual, informative stroll through Barcelona. Get all the insider tips firsthand while becoming acquainted with what this amazing city has to offer.

Staff led outings to discover Barcelona like a local
Roasted Artichokes

Roasted Artichokes with Romesco Sauce

Difficulty: Intermediate

Preparation time: 60 mins

Serves: 6 people

Ingredients:

  • Fresh artichokes
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 oz roasted almonds
  • 2 oz roasted hazelnuts
  • 3 ñoras (dried Spanish pepper)
  • 1 head of garlic
  • 3 big tomatoes
  • Vinegar
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

Sauce Preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven to 390ºF.
  2. Roast the tomatoes and garlic for 40 mins.
  3. Soak the ñoras in hot water for 40 mins.
  4. Peel the hazelnuts and almonds and put into the blender.
  5. Open the soaked ñoras and throw away the seeds. With a spoon, softly scrape the skin. Add the flesh of the ñora into the blender.
  6. Peel the tomatoes and the rest of the ingredients and put them into the blender.
  7. Add the olive oil and blend the entire mixture together.
  8. Add salt and vinegar to taste.

Sauce Artichokes:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
  2. Chop the artichokes in half.
  3. Dress them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Roast them in the oven for 30-40 mins.
Spanish Omelette

Spanish Omelette

Difficulty: Easy

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Serves: 6 people

Ingredients:

  • 7 eggs
  • 1 kg potatoes
  • 400 g onion
  • 200 ml olive oil
  • Salt

Preparation:

  1. Peel the onion and cut it into small pieces. Fry until browned.
  2. Peel the potato and slice. Remove the onion, and in the same oil fry the potato. When browned, lower the heat, add the onion, and finish cooking everything together. The potatoes have to be well done.
  3. Drain the potato and onion very well in a strainer. Put them in a bowl and add the beaten eggs.
  4. Heat a pan and add a little oil. When it is hot, pour the tortilla mixture and stir it a little with a wooden spatula.
  5. Cook it for 1 or 2 minutes on one side, over very low heat.
  6. With the help of a dish turn it over and finish cooking the omelette on the other side
Delicious rabbit and chicken Paella

Meat and vegetable Paella

Difficulty: Medium

Preparation time: 45 minutes

Serves: 6 people

Ingredients:

  • 700 g rice “bomba”
  • 2 l chicken broth
  • 140 ml olive oil
  • 1000 g chicken in very small pieces
  • 500 g lean pork (small pieces)
  • 2-3 Italian green peppers
  • 1 red pepper
  • 250 g green beans
  • 1 sachet de Paellero Carmencita (spices mixture with saffron)

Preparation:

  1. Put the oil on the paella and fry the vegetables separately first, and then the meat well browned. Everything with salt.
  2. Add the sachet of spices to the broth and keep it hot.
  3. Sauté the rice with the rest of the ingredients for one minute and add the broth with the strong heat.
  4. Distribute the rice well throughout the paella and do not move it again until it is ready to serve. After 5 minutes reduce the heat to a minimum and let it evaporate completely. Approximately 20 minutes in total.
  5. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Kayaks at Costa Brava in Summer

Kayaks & Coves of Costa Brava

 Summer Exclusive  – Mediterranean Adventure

Leaving from ALBA at: 8:00AM

Returning around: 6PM

Preparation:

  • Comfortable shoes for the hike.
  • Bathing suite.
  • Dry change of clothes and towel
  • Sunscreen.
  • Make sure you have a decent breakfast before leaving.
  • A light rain jacket and/or umbrella (depending on the weather).

Description: Excellent, relaxing sea kayaking routes, swimming and snorkeling along the gorgeous Costa Brava, exploring caves, coves and beaches with picnic lunch and plenty of beach time throughout the day!

Montserrat panoramic view

Montserrat

Iconic Mountain & 1,000-year-old Monastery

Leaving from ALBA at: 8:30AM

Returning around: 4PM

Preparation:

  • Comfortable shoes for the hike.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Make sure you have a decent breakfast before leaving.
  • A light rain jacket and/or umbrella (depending on the weather).

Description: Explore the amazing 1000-year-old monastery of Montserrat with panoramic views, scenic walks and Escolania boy’s choir accompanied by an amazing Catalan country lunch and afternoon visit.

Costa Brava Adventure Day

Hike, Swim, Explore

Leaving from ALBA at: 8:45AM

Returning around: 6PM

Preparation:

  • Comfortable shoes for the hike.
  • Bathing suite.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Make sure you have a decent breakfast before leaving.
  • A light rain jacket and/or umbrella (depending on the weather).

Description: Hiking day tour along the Costa Brava’s high winding cliffs, secluded beaches and crystal coves followed by a village beachfront dining!

ALBA students Rupit

Pre-Pyrenees Medieval Village

Waterfall Trails

Leaving from ALBA at: 9:00AM

Returning around: 6:00PM

Preparation:

  • Comfortable shoes for the hike.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Make sure you have a decent breakfast before leaving.
  • A light rain jacket and/or umbrella (depending on the weather)

Description: Explore a 16th-century mountain village in the mid-Pyrenees, enjoy an amazing light hike/walk to spectacular panoramic viewpoints and experience a true three-course meal with wine in a multi-generational, traditional Catalan restaurant.

ALBA students on an excursion to Girona

Girona

Medieval Streets & Modern Catalan Culture

Leaving from ALBA at: 8:00AM

Returning around: 6:00PM

Preparation:

  • Comfortable shoes.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Make sure you have a decent breakfast before leaving.
  • A light rain jacket and/or umbrella (depending on the weather)

Description: Girona city tour takes you through the rich history of one of Spain’s most charming, medieval walled cities that has been very well preserved since it was founded by the Romans in the 1st century. You’ll wind through the narrow stone streets of the old quarter and see Girona highlights such as the Cathedral, Roman and medieval wall, Rambla de la Llibertat, Onyar River houses and bridges, Jewish Heritage Museum and more.

Secret Forest Alba Study Abroad Excursion

Barcelona Secret Forest

Light hike, great views of Barcelona

Leaving from ALBA at: 10:00AM

Returning around: 4PM

Preparation:

  • Comfortable shoes for the hike.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Make sure you have a decent breakfast before leaving.
  • A light rain jacket and/or umbrella (depending on the weather).

Description: Discover an incredible natural area in the outskirts of Barcelona on a half-day hike through Barcelona’s green lung, the Collserola Natural Park, followed by a truly authentic Catalan lunch.

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