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What to know before studying in Barcelona

written by
Natasha Machado
25/9/2024
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5 min
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Barcelona is a magical city that attracts students from all over the world. With its rich culture, beautiful beaches, and great universities, it offers a unique study experience. If you dream of learning Spanish or pursuing higher education in Spain, Barcelona may be the perfect place. Let's see what you need to know before embarking on this adventure.

Choice of program and university

Barcelona has study options to suit all tastes. If you want to learn Spanish, there are famous schools like the Instituto Cervantes. They offer short and long courses to improve your Spanish quickly. For those seeking a university degree, the city doesn't disappoint.

The University of Barcelona, one of the oldest in Spain, offers courses in many areas. ESADE, on the other hand, is great for those who want to study business. Before choosing, check if the course is in English or Spanish. Many universities have programs designed for students from other countries.

Requirements to study

To study in Barcelona, you need to prepare well. Here are the key points:

  • Language: For courses in Spanish, they generally ask for level B2.
  • Important documents:
    • Translated school transcript
    • Valid passport
    • Letter from the school saying that you were accepted
    • Proof that you have money to support yourself
  • Student visa: Do you have to stay longer than 90 days
  • Health insurance: It should cover the entire time you stay there

Good news: You can Study in Spain and work up to 30 hours a week, this helps you gain experience and extra money.

Housing and cost of living

Living in Barcelona can be expensive, but there are options for every budget. You can stay in a student residence, which costs between 500 and 800 euros a month, with food included. Another popular option is to divide an apartment. A room in a shared apartment costs between 350 and 600 euros per month.

If you want to practice Spanish, you can live with a local family. This costs around 600 to 800 euros a month, with meals included. In total, get ready to spend between 900 and 1200 euros a month, counting rent, food, and transportation. The subway and buses are good and cheap, with monthly student passes costing around 40 euros.

Student life in Barcelona

Student life in Barcelona is full of cool things to do. Look at this:

  1. Language: In addition to Spanish, many people speak Catalan. There are free language exchange groups in bars.
  2. Food: Taste tapas at the La Boqueria Market and paella on Barceloneta Beach.
  3. Festivities: Don't miss the Primavera Sound festival in June and the La Mercè festivities in September.
  4. Sports: Go see a Barcelona game at the Camp Nou or play volleyball on the beach.
  5. Beaches: Study outdoors on Bogatell Beach, quieter than Barceloneta.
  6. Art: Visit the Picasso Museum for free on Sundays and see Gaudí's wacky buildings.
  7. Ballad: The Gothic Quarter has great bars. To dance, go to Razzmataz.

Job opportunities

Barcelona is a center of business and innovation, full of opportunities for students to start their careers. Big companies like Seat (cars), Desigual (clothing) and King (games) offer internships. The city also has many startups in areas such as technology and tourism. You can work in different places, such as modern offices or cozy cafés. To find work, attend job fairs at universities and use sites like InfoJobs or LinkedIn. Don't forget to practice your Spanish - this will help you a lot to get a good job in Barcelona!

Be Easy

Ready to experience this adventure in Barcelona? A Be Easy Exchange is here to help! We can guide you every step of the way, from choosing the best course to preparing your trip. We have experience in Spanish programs and university courses in Barcelona. Don't let the distance or red tape scare you. Get in touch with us today and start planning your incredible future in Spain. With Be Easy, your dream of studying in Barcelona is closer than you think!

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Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy