Barcelona became my classroom June 13, 2025

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Four weeks at Blau honestly changed the way I see language learning. It wasn’t just about memorizing verbs — it was living the language. Classes were dynamic, interactive, and so relevant to real-life situations. We learned through roleplay, games, group discussions, and even mini field assignments (like ordering food in Spanish at a café — high-stakes stuff when you're hungry 😅). What made it special was the energy — everyone wanted to be there. It wasn’t just students zoning out; it was people from all over the world, connecting through Spanish, right in the heart of Barcelona. I left with better language skills, way more confidence, and some lifelong friends. Honestly? Best educational decision I’ve made in years. 💙📘

On-site administration of your program

From the moment I arrived, everything was so smooth. The Blau team was super organized — I got my room, my class schedule, and even a welcome tour within the first hour! 🙌 They were always available (like, literally 24/7 WhatsApp support??), and they made sure we felt safe, informed, and connected. When I had questions about public transport, weekend trips, or even where to find good vegan paella (😂), they helped right away. Also, they hosted events almost every week — pool parties, movie nights, even a Catalan class! It didn’t just feel like a school — it felt like a mini international community where you could study, make friends, and have fun all at once. Honestly, 10/10 for making a solo trip feel like home 💫

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Okay… the housing at Blau? Literally blew me away. I had my own studio with a private kitchen and bathroom — which, let’s be honest, is rare for student accommodation. It felt more like a modern apartment than a dorm. Everything was spotless, the bed was super comfy, and the natural light made mornings feel dreamy ☀️✨ There was also a rooftop pool (yes, a real one), a gym with actual equipment, and plenty of chill-out zones for studying or just people-watching with coffee. And the location? Close to the beach and the coolest cafés in Poblenou. I could study in the morning and have sangria by sunset. Pure bliss. Would 100% stay here again. It totally upgraded my “study abroad” expectations 💁‍♀️

Blau doesn’t include daily meals like a full board program, but honestly? I loved the freedom. Since I had my own kitchen, I could cook whenever I wanted (and I got really into Spanish grocery shopping 🛒🇪🇸 — hello, jamón and manchego heaven). There’s also a restaurant downstairs, which was super convenient for lazy days or post-class cravings. The menu was solid — salads, pasta, Spanish dishes, even vegetarian options. Not Michelin-starred, but tasty, fresh, and affordable. Also, the Blau team surprised us with free snack nights and food at events — like movie night popcorn or tapas at the pool party 😍 Only reason I didn’t give it a full 5? I sometimes wished for a shared cooking class or community dinner night — something to mix eating with social time. Still, total win for independence + quality!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is where Blau really shines. From day one, I felt like I was part of something — not just a student, but a little Barcelona local in the making 🇪🇸✨ They organized events that weren’t just touristy — things like Catalan language classes, rooftop DJ parties, expert talks, even a watercolor workshop one weekend. It wasn’t forced either. You could join whenever you wanted, and it never felt awkward. The other students came from everywhere — Germany, Japan, Brazil, Switzerland… so conversations were always interesting. And the staff? Super warm and fun. They’d actually join events, hang out, and make you feel like family. I left Blau not only with better Spanish, but with friends from four continents and a deep love for Barcelona’s local culture. Total cultural glow-up. 💃🌍

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Thankfully I didn’t get seriously sick while I was there (yay, immune system 🙏), but I did need to ask about a nearby pharmacy and had a little issue with allergies the first week. The staff at Blau were so responsive. They immediately recommended a nearby clinic, walked me through what I needed to say in Spanish (bless them), and even gave me directions to the 24-hour pharmacy. One of the team members even offered to go with me if I felt unsure — which was honestly the sweetest thing ever 🥺💙 They also had info on what to do in emergencies, and the reception is staffed 24/7, which gave me a huge sense of security as a solo female traveler. It felt like I had a safety net — not just a place to sleep.

I felt completely safe at Blau — and that’s saying a lot coming from someone who double-checks if the door’s locked even at home 😅 The building has 24/7 reception staff, keycard access, security cameras literally everywhere, and it’s in a super chill neighborhood. I’d walk home from the beach at night with zero sketchy vibes. Even inside, it felt secure. You needed a key or mobile access to get into the elevator and even your floor — like a mini fortress but make it stylish 🛡️✨ Also, the staff were always around and genuinely cared. If something ever felt off, I knew help was just downstairs. As a woman traveling alone, that peace of mind was everything. 5 stars, no doubt.

Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing — except maybe staying longer! One month flew by way too fast. Blau gave me way more than just Spanish classes. It gave me independence, confidence, real-world language practice, and friends from all over the world. It was the perfect balance of structure and freedom.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Honestly, the 4-week program at Blau cost me €1,999 — and that included my private studio and daily Spanish classes. For what I got? Totally fair. Yes, it’s not the cheapest option in town, but I wasn’t looking for a hostel vibe. I wanted privacy, comfort, and a solid learning environment — and Blau delivered. I spent maybe another €300–€400 on food, transport, and fun stuff. So all in, around €2,300 for the month. If you're coming to Barcelona for the experience — not just the grammar books — I think it's 100% worth the splurge. It felt more like an investment in myself than just a “trip.” 💁‍♀️💸

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

From the first day, they really encouraged us to speak Spanish as much as possible. Not in a scary, "you must only speak Spanish" kind of way, but more like, "hey, let’s practice this together and have fun with it." Classes were super interactive — we didn’t just sit there listening. We talked. A lot. Roleplays, games, debates, even fake phone calls (those were hilarious). Outside the classroom, it didn’t stop. Blau hosted events in Spanish, and the teachers would casually join and chat with us — which helped make it feel natural. Even the staff at reception would switch to Spanish if they saw you wanted to practice! Honestly, I went from “¿Dónde está el baño?” to comfortably ordering food, asking for directions, and chatting with locals — all in just 4 weeks. So yeah, they really do make sure you use what you learn — and you’ll be surprised how fast it sticks. 🧠💬🇪🇸

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• Dorm
• Apartment

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Americans
• International Students

• Community
• Comfort

• Longer cultural workshops. 🎨🇪🇸