Student Stories
Cooper Malin
English/Literature graduate
For Cooper, a term in Barcelona wasn't about seeing a new city — it was about walking through it, until it felt like home. As an English and Literature major, Cooper studied abroad with Barcelona SAE and found his connection to the city grew with every footstep.
“At first, I relied on the metro to get everywhere — school, cafes, bookstores, even to friends’ apartments,” Cooper recalls. “But the hot, crowded tunnels started to lose their appeal. That’s when I started walking instead. Before long, walking became my favorite way to get around. I loved blending into the sea of people, feeling like I belonged there.”
One of those walks led Cooper to discover his new favorite place: the New York Cafe, a small spot next to the Barcelona International College. Before long, the barista knew his order by heart and the cafe itself became an extension of the classroom — a place for last-minute homework, journaling and captivating conversations with classmates and patrons over chocolate croissants.
While Coopers explorations gave him a personal sense of the city, it was the neighborhood tours through Barcelona SAE that helped connect the dots.
“I had wandered through these neighborhoods on my own, but the tours gave me the historical and cultural context that tied it all together. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a string of cafes and streets — it was a living, breathing story.”
His advice? Don't treat study abroad like an extended vacation.
“This is your life — just in a different place,” he advises. “Find a routine that feels comfortable. Spend hours in bookstores if that’s your thing. Don’t rush to see every single landmark. Some of my best memories are just sitting at a cafe with classmates and locals, drinking coffee and telling stories. That’s what being in Barcelona really felt like.”
Zion Estrada
COCC Exploratory student
From the moment Zion stepped off the plane in Barcelona, the city began to reshape the way they saw the world, and themselves. While studying abroad in Barcelona, Zion took every possible moment exploring the vibrant city street, tasting new flavors and immersing themselves in a culture that was both unfamiliar and unexpectedly welcoming.
“My Barcelona experience was truly an eye-opener,” Zion reflects. “It made me see a different culture up close, which led me to reflect on my own. I came home more grateful, more curious, and with a fresh motivation to approach life with a new mindset.”
Zion credits much of the welcoming experience to the Barcelona SAE staff and the range of activities and support they provided. Whether attending classes, exploring the city or diving into cultural events, the program created space for both structured learning and discovery.
For future students, Zion recommends embracing a sense of adventure and seeking out a hidden corner of the city — whether it's a tucked-away bunker for sunset views, or a peaceful mountain. For Zion, the choice would be Montjuic.
“You could spend an entire day there and still not see it all,” Zion shares. “Every corner holds something beautiful.”
Clara Williams
Art & Design graduate
Studying abroad in Barcelona wasn’t something Clara Williams planned for — but when the opportunity came along, she knew she couldn’t pass it up. As a student with an undeclared major, Clara saw the program as a chance to follow her curiosity wherever it led. From mountaintop trails to beachside soccer games, what she discovered was more than just a new city to explore — it was a new way of seeing the world and herself.
“My biggest piece of advice for future students? Keep an open mind — expect the unexpected and push yourself out of your comfort zone. It will be worth it.”
Clara’s adventure led her to Barcelona’s iconic landmarks but also to hidden gems that became personal favorites. From breathtaking hikes at Montserrat to the creative energy of El Raval and quiet reading sessions at the Greek Theatre, every moment added a new layer to her experience. Barcelona wasn’t just a destination — it was a turning point.
“The program struck a perfect balance — enough structure to feel supported, but also plenty of freedom to explore and really live life in Barcelona.”
