Our Students’ Opinion

“Studying abroad in Barcelona has genuinely been the best experience I have had in my life. […] My eyes have been opened to this huge world we live in. There are so many more people, languages, cultures, places, food, etc. that I never even thought to look for before this experience. Barcelona changed me for good!”

Claire Ciabattari, Oregon State University

“ALBA provides so many opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the Spanish culture! From cooking class to Flamenco lessons, to neighborhood walks. […] Do all of the events ALBA puts on, they are meant for you and have been some of my favorite memories!”

Sienna Otley, University of Washington

“I came to Barcelona a bug for travel and a drive to learn more about a new place. ALBA was able to give me both of those things along with many memories to last a lifetime. […] Through the program, I was able to develop friendships I know will last a lifetime as well as an inside view into another culture.”

Ashley Wilhelm, California Polytechnic

“I am so glad that I chose to study abroad with ALBA. My time here has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Immersive Spanish cooking classes, group excursions, and lifelong friends are just a few things that will stick with me from my time in Barcelona. […] ALBA provides a very welcoming atmosphere for all and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an immersive study abroad experience.”

Emily Muske, University of Washington

“ALBA has been incredible! […] Barcelona has absolutely been my favorite city across Europe and I could see myself living here. […] Prioritizing the excursions is definitely something I am glad I did. […] It is a way better experience to be toured around places in Spain I never would have known it existed with someone from the area than to try and figure it out myself.”

Nathan Ellisen, University of Washington

“I love ALBA because of the people and the culture I have experienced throughout my time here. The excursions and the feeling of community surrounding me has made my experience unmatchable to any other. […] I am so grateful for the knowledge and experience I have gained here in the lovely Barcelona!”

Maddie Phillips, California Polytechnic

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Erasmo R., Portland State University

“I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain through Alba in the spring of 2012, as a 21-year-old undergraduate student. During which time I took a Catalan Culture and Society course, advanced Spanish, and one of the most impactful and eye-opening courses in my entire undergraduate trajectory, Spanish Film and Literature, taught by renowned Spanish professor, Dr. Carles Murillo. In the spring of 2014 during my first year of graduate school at Portland State University I decided that ….”

Griffen H., U of Washington

“My experience with ALBA has been nothing short of amazing. The ALBA classes have been great and Barcelona is an amazing, diverse city to live in. Charles has been a great program drector and has always been available to provide help or recommendations for us. The flexibility of the ALBA program allowed me to visit many amazing cities and countries across Europe. I would definitely recommend ALBA for anyone looking to study abroad!”

Julie S., Dartmouth College

“My experience in the ALBA program was amazing! I had an absolutely spectacular, unforgettable time. The classes were very interesting and the coordinators helped to give me a true study abroad experience. I highly recommend ALBA to anyone who is interested in studying in Barcelona.”

T. Kellogg, University of Washington

“I attended ALBA as a junior at the University of Washington. After not knowing what I was getting myself into, studying abroad through ALBA turned out to be the best experience of my college career. I took four classes (22 general quarter credits!) – Catalan Culture, Spanish Art & Architecture, European Economics, and Spanish Language. The classes were straightforward and extremely rewarding if you put the effort into learning. ALBA emphasized cultural immersion by encouraging us to try new restaurants, attend language exchanges, meet new people, go to FC Barcelona games, and travel every weekend (no Friday classes!). The ALBA administration (Charles, Tracy, Danny) was amazingly helpful by finding me a private apartment three blocks from the beach, helping us to and from the airport, coordinating to make sure our credits transferred, etc. Overall, I give ALBA a 10/10 and only wish I could go back to school to attend ALBA over and over again!”

A. Maddox, University of Washington

“I’m going to keep this short (maybe not) because I could write forever about how amazing Alba was as a program. When I was looking to study abroad a couple things were important to me: passionate teachers, full immersion, living situation, and a smaller program. All my criteria were far exceeded and Barcelona could not have been a cooler city”

Alex Grant, University of Oregon

“Every element of ALBA was incredible! My apartment was centrally located, my classes were challenging and interesting, and the other students on the program were fun and great people! Barcelona is such an outstanding city to study in! I walked away feeling as though I got a terrific cultural experience, and had a wonderful time doing it!”

Monica Ramirez, Evergreen University

For my last quarter of University I decided I had to go to Barcelona. It was the best choice I made in my entire life. I am not exaggerating. I was so ready for adventure and travel, after being stuck in the Pacific Northwest for almost four years. I packed my bags and never looked back! I can´t imagine that there is a better program to study through than ALBA. From the get-go they were so organized, yet also extremely laid back (trust me, you want that on your quarter abroad). No one goes to Spain to stay inside studying all day. ALBA of course, offered spectacular courses. Spanish language was more of a conversational setting. History and Architecture was full of awesome excursions and crazy stories about Barcelona that I would have never stumbled upon on my own.

Adriana F., Santa Clara University

“Thank you for everything! I’m glad I had the opportunity to experience being abroad and grow more culturally and as a person here. Barcelona is an amazing city and I highly recommend coming here to study abroad.”

Georgia H., University of Washington

“I am beyond happy that I studied abroad in Barcelona and I am so grateful that I was able to study abroad through a program like ALBA. Barcelona is an amazing city. It is large enough to keep you constantly entertained and exploring, yet small enough to feel safe and know your way around. ALBA cares about each and every student and wants him or her to succeed. The teachers are energetic and compassionate and seem to love what they do. I am so lucky to have gotten to live in Barceloneta, a very safe, welcoming and fun neighborhood. Everything you could ever need is at the tips of your fingers. My choice to study abroad with ALBA is one that I will never forget and it pushed me to learn and grow. Exploring Spain has been one of the experiences of my life and I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is looking to see the world, experience a beautiful culture and make lasting memories!”

Cameron M., University of Washington

“ALBA by far and away exceeded my expectations for a study abroad experience. ALBA helped maximize my academics while at the same time promoted and helped with my experience throughout the rest of Spain and Europe.”

Jake K., University of Washington

“ALBA was a fantastic experience that I would recommend to anyone that wants to study in Barcelona! It exceeded my expectations and I can honestly say I grew as an individual due to my past three months here going forward. I know I will now be more well-informed and better able to face life’s challenges due to all I learned here at ALBA.”

Matt D., Portland Sate University

“I was looking for a study abroad program that would allow me to explore and experience the best that Spanish culture has to offer, all at a reasonable price. ALBA gave me just that. Between the relaxed schedule of classes, and the highly knowledgeable coordinators, I had an outstanding experience in Barcelona! Moreover, the financial aid programs offered made ALBA accessible and a great value.”

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Receiving students from all over the USA & Canada

To date, we have hosted students from the following universities:

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