Words and photos by Anagha Joby, who studied abroad with ASA in Barcelona, Spain, during the Maymester term of 2026.
One of the biggest perks of studying abroad in Barcelona is that the city itself is only the beginning. While weekdays were filled with classes, assignments, and exploring Barcelona's neighborhoods, weekends became opportunities to step outside my comfort zone and discover entirely new places. Looking back, some of my favorite memories from this experience came from those short trips that taught me how to travel smarter, embrace spontaneity, and appreciate the diversity of Europe.
If you're planning to study abroad in Barcelona, here's my biggest piece of advice: take advantage of the weekends. You don't have to spend hundreds of euros or travel across the continent to have meaningful experiences. Some of the best adventures are just a train ride away.
One of my favorite discoveries was realizing how accessible so many destinations are from Barcelona. A day trip to Blanes offered beautiful coastal views and peaceful walks through botanical gardens overlooking the Mediterranean. Tarragona provided a glimpse into Spain's Roman history, with ancient ruins and seaside scenery existing side by side. Even simply exploring another Spanish city, like Madrid or Valencia, revealed how different each region's culture, food, and atmosphere can be.
Traveling also taught me practical lessons that I never expected to learn in a classroom. I became more confident navigating unfamiliar public transportation systems, budgeting for accommodations and meals, and adapting when plans inevitably changed. Missed buses, delayed trains, and getting temporarily lost all became part of the experience rather than disasters.
Of course, weekend travel wasn't always about checking famous landmarks off a list. Some of my favorite moments were much simpler: watching the sunset over the Mediterranean, trying a local pastry from a neighborhood bakery, wandering through historic streets without a strict itinerary, and sharing laughs with friends while figuring out directions together.
My biggest tip for future students is to find a balance. You don't have to travel every weekend to make the most of studying abroad. Barcelona itself has endless neighborhoods, museums, beaches, and hidden gems worth exploring. But when the opportunity arises, don't be afraid to book the train ticket, pack a small bag, and say yes to a new adventure.
Studying abroad expanded my understanding of the world in ways I never anticipated. The places I visited were incredible, but the confidence, independence, and adaptability I gained along the way were even more valuable. Years from now, I may forget the exact train schedules or how many steps I climbed to reach a viewpoint, but I'll remember the excitement of discovering somewhere new and the realization that the world is both much bigger and much more connected than I had imagined.
To anyone preparing for their own study abroad experience: explore Barcelona, but don't stop there. Some of your favorite memories might just begin with a weekend trip.
Thanks, Anagha!