AIFS Partnership Programs: Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs

Why Choose Barcelona?

Barcelona's Sagrada Familia

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, with a population of 2.5 million. The city’s origins can be traced back to the first century BC and the Roman colony of Barcino. Its 2,000 years of history have left their mark on the city’s architectural, artistic and cultural heritage. Its excellent location in terms of international communication, Mediterranean climate and cosmopolitan character make it a particularly privileged city.

Said to be the most cosmopolitan city in Spain, the capital of Catalonia is also one of the most colourful, thanks to the creations of Antoni Gaudi. A wonderful mix of both medieval and modernist structures, you can be strolling through the grid-like Eixample one minute and get lost wandering around the narrow lanes of El Born the next. Barcelona takes its soccer and basketball just as seriously as it takes its art; the Catalans are fiercely proud of their heritage.