Barcelona

With a population of over two million people, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia. The city is best understood as a collection of diverse cultures and changing cityscapes. Whether strolling down Las Ramblas, stumbling upon a hidden oasis of calm among the labyrinthine medieval alleys of the Gothic section, wondering at the latest cutting-edge architectural gem rising from one of the city’s urban renovation projects, or contemplating the Mediterranean from the city’s beaches, Barcelona continually reveals new and fascinating faces to the intrepid.

The city has a tradition of opening and renewing itself to welcome the world. Home to the 1888 World’s Fair, the 1992 Olympic Games, and the 2004 Forum on World Culture, Barcelona hosts many annual festivals ranging from avant garde theater, SONAR, and the summer arts festival, El Grec. The Catalan traditions of tolerance and openness have allowed figures ranging from artists such as Picasso, Dali, Miro and Tapies to the architect Antonio Gaudi, and the theater company Els Joglars to prosper.

"I think the staff here were incredible. Everyone involved was very intelligent, helpful and personable. I cannot say enough good things about the staff. They really made this program for me."