How to Make Friends in Barcelona as an International Student | ESEI International Business School
Why Barcelona is the Perfect City for International Students
Poppy, originally from the UK, has lived much of her life in France and speaks both English and French fluently. After studying philosophy and French at undergraduate level in the UK and working as a translator in the sports industry in France, she wanted to combine her love for sport with her ambition to study for a master’s degree in a new city. Barcelona quickly became her top choice.
“I decided to do a master’s, but I knew I wanted to do it in a big city where I could also keep doing the sports I loved. Obviously, a big drawback of many major cities is the lack of outdoor spaces and activities, whereas Barcelona has it all. You’ve got the beach, you’ve got the mountains, and you’ve got people to enjoy them with. So it was a no-brainer,” she explained.
At ESEI International Business School Barcelona, Poppy decided to join the Master in International Relations and International Business programme. She found the international environment she was looking for, with classes taught in English and classmates from around the globe.
“I loved the international aspect of it. I wasn’t fluent in Spanish, so I wanted a master’s that was taught in English. Particularly for a degree in International Relations, being in a class that was so multicultural made complete sense,” she told us when asked why she chose ESEI.
First Impressions: Settling into Life in Barcelona
Arriving in a new city without knowing anyone can be intimidating, but Poppy embraced the challenge. “When I first arrived, I knew it would take time to meet people. At the beginning, most of my friends came through my master’s programme at ESEI, which was a great starting point. But I also wanted to meet people who shared my passion for sport.”
Barcelona made that easier. According to Poppy, “Sport is such a big part of the city. When you walk along the beachfront at Barceloneta, you see people running, swimming, cycling, surfing, roller-skating — you name it, someone is doing it. It is really motivating, even if you are only slightly inclined to get out there and join in.”
How Sports Clubs Help International Students Make Friends in Barcelona
For Poppy, joining sports clubs was the key to building her network and making long-lasting friendships in Barcelona:
- Run Clubs in Barcelona: She joined groups such as Better Run Club, Gravity Run Club, and Midnight Runners. “Even if you only meet one or two close friends, that can open the door to a much wider community.”
- Hybrid Triathlon Club: This international but mainly Spanish-speaking club helped her practise her Spanish while connecting with likeminded people who were committed to staying in Barcelona long-term.
- Show Up Society Barcelona: A sunrise meet-up at Barceloneta beach offering yoga, breathwork, and sea swims. “It pushes you out of your comfort zone, sparks conversations, and gives you a wholesome start to the day.”
By joining these clubs, Poppy not only made friends but also discovered new opportunities to connect with both locals and other internationals in Barcelona.
Poppy’s Top Advice for International Students in Barcelona
Poppy encourages new students not to be afraid of showing up alone:
“It is always daunting to go by yourself, but you will not regret it. Even if you do not make a friend straight away, you still get the experience. All you need is one connection, and that can grow into a bigger group of friends. Barcelona has so many free and accessible events. If you show up to something you enjoy, you will meet likeminded people.”
Her advice is clear: step outside your comfort zone, embrace awkward first conversations, and keep turning up. For anyone wondering how to make friends in Barcelona as an international student, her story is proof that joining clubs and showing up consistently works.
“It took me a few months to feel settled in, but once I had joined a few clubs and made good friends through my master’s programme, I was set to thrive,” she told us. “All you have to do is sign up and show up.”
Future Plans and Sporting Achievements
Her determination is clear. After finishing her studies at ESEI International Business School, she completed a Half Ironman in Nice, France, a remarkable achievement that shows her resilience, motivation, and commitment to sport.
Now that she has completed her master’s, Poppy is considering moving to Paris and pursuing a career in the sports events industry. She is passionate about the way major sporting events inspire both participants and spectators.
“I think it’s really amazing to see people accomplish things they have been training for such a long time. I also think being part of a company that enables that kind of experience would be very cool.”
Poppy’s Top Tips
Here is a round up of the tips that helped Poppy thrive as an international student in Barcelona:
- Join Clubs – Find what you’re passionate about doing in your new city and join clubs related to that in order to meet new people and forge relationships.
- Go by yourself – Don’t be afraid of showing up alone. Step out of your comfort zone.
- It only takes one – All you need is one connection to then set you up with a wider network of friends.
Final Thoughts
Barcelona offers international students not only world-class education but also endless opportunities to meet new people, build friendships, and create unforgettable memories. By joining clubs, embracing the city’s sporting culture, and being willing to step out of your comfort zone, you can thrive both academically and socially.
If you are considering studying abroad, Barcelona is the perfect city to study, live, and grow. And as Poppy’s story shows, it is also a place where you can find lifelong friends and life-changing experiences.
Explore ESEI’s Programmes
👉If you’re considering starting your own journey in Barcelona, explore ESEI’s Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes and see how we can support you as you settle into life here.
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