Study Abroad in Barcelona...

Studying abroad in Barcelona offers an excellent educational experience in what is arguably Spain's most modern, international and artistically stimulating city. In fact, the number of international students in Barcelona has recently doubled, pointing to a definite increase in both the quality and variety of international study opportunities offered in this city.

Barcelona's unique mix of Spanish and Catalonian culture sets the city apart from other Spanish destinations. One distinguishing factor is that nearly all of the city's residents speak both Spanish and Catalan on a daily basis. The mixing of languages and cultures makes Barcelona an ideal source for fresh ideas and innovative artistic expression - two qualities that are clearly evident in the city's social life. Barcelona, for example, has built on its long-established textile industry to become a major fashion center, earning the distinction of hosting the prestigious urban fashion show, Bread & Butter.

Although founded in 200 B.C. as a Roman colony, Barcelona did not become the capital of a small, thriving Catalan empire until the defeat of Muslim forces in 800 A.D. This all changed by the 15th century when, weakened by plagues and other hardships, Catalonia was annexed by Castile and Aragon. Under strong-handed foreign rule, the city might have lost much of its cultural heritage were it not for the artistic movement of European Romanticism, which played an important role in rewakening Barcelona to its Catalonian roots.

The city's architecture reveals a long and varied history: from the ancient Roman ruins to a maze-like Gothic center and the characteristic architecture of Catalan Modernism. Barcelona is known for its wide avenues, beautiful seaside boardwalks, cultural acceptance and active nightlife. Students studying in Barcelona have the chance to stroll down Las Ramblas, Barcelona's most famous pedestrian street lined with cafes, restaurants, stores and street performers who entertain its many visitors day and night. Don't let the name fool you though; every June Las Ramblas jumps to the electronica music of the Sónar Music Festival.

Another important landmark in Barcelona is the city's famous cathedral, La Sagrada Familia. Designed by the famous Catalonian architect Antonio Gaudi, it began to take shape in 1882 and remains under construction to this day. Its huge, cartoonish spires and unusual decor offer an interesting departure from the more traditional cathedrals found throughout the rest of Spain. Students interested in architecture need not limit themselves to Gaudi's Art Nouveau style, however, with the opportunity to see impressive modern structures such as the Barcelona World Trade Center designed by architect Henry N. Cobb, a founding member of the architectural office Pei Cobb Freed & Partners.

Barcelona's diverse history and artistic spirit also make it one of Spain's most-visited centers of tourism. Thanks to the World's Fair in 1888, the 1992 Summer Olympics and the more recent Universal Forum of the Cultures in 2004, Barcelona has truly flourished in recent decades as a city of great artistic and cultural significance.

One of the best universities in Barcelona, especially for foreign students, is the University of Barcelona (UAB), which enjoys great international prestige. The recently established Universitat Pompeu Fabra also deserves mention as one of the up-and-coming institutions in Catalonia, and offers a wide range of foreign study opportunities. The oldest and largest university in the city is the Universitat de Barcelona, recently ranked as one of the 200 best universities in the world (the only Spanish university on the list). Students studying here have the added benefit of being immersed in the cultural richness of one of Spain's centuries-old universities.

Barcelona is also noted for the excellent quality of its business schools as the city itself has become one of Europe's most important commerce and industrial centers. It enjoys widespread access to international markets thanks to its cultural dynamism and favorable location on Spain's northwestern coast. According to the European Cities Monitor conducted by Cushman & Wakefield each year, Barcelona has risen to be the 4th best European city in which to locate a business (up from 11th place in 1990 and trailing only London, Paris and Frankfurt). All this means that students with an interest in international business will benefit greatly when studying in Barcelona. The city also experienced tremendous infrastructural growth in the area of professional sports after hosting the Olympic Games in 1992 and provides excellent opportunities for students with an interest in international sports marketing.

The fact that Catalan is used as often as Spanish in Barcelona hasn't stopped international students from enrolling in its universities in ever-larger numbers. This is due in large part to initiatives like the government-funded Spanish for Foreigners Plan. Bolstered by 35 million euros with which to create various initiatives and campaigns, the Plan aims to increase Barcelona's ability to cater to the specific needs of a foreign student market.

Numerous organizations have taken shape as a result of the Spanish for Foreigners Plan. Just a few examples include the Association For Quality, which unites several internationally acclaimed business schools in Barcelona; the organization Barcelona: Centro Universitario, whose explicit purpose is to serve international students; and the International Graduate School of Catalonia, which promotes and subsidizes English-speaking graduate programs throughout the city.

The combination of quality educational opportunities and a stimulating cultural environment makes Barcelona a first-class destination for international students. Thanks to the city's efforts to promote internationalism and continually better the quality of its programs, students can look forward to a rewarding experience that will also serve them well when pursuing future academic and professional endeavors.

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ONLINE RESOURCES
Barcelona city: http://www.bcn.cat/
Barcelona Chamber of Commerce: http://www.cambrabcn.es/
Turisme de Barcelona: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/
Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona: http://www.uab.es/
Universitat Pompeu Fabra: http://www.upf.edu/
Universitat de Barcelona: http://www.ub.edu/
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP

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