Coffee Along Barcelona’s L4: My Study Abroad Caffeine Quest

My favorite stop when I was badly in need of some productivity was Itnig Café near the Bogatell metro stop. With reliable Wi-Fi, a chill atmosphere, and an iced latte that
somehow made resume work and internship applications get themselves done, it
became my go-to work spot. I spent hours there, laptop open, people-watching, and
finally feeling as though I was living the true Barcelonian student experience.

For iced coffee enthusiasts, Trigo Coffee quickly stole my heart. Their wide variety of
blends were perfectly balanced, smooth, and refreshing—ideal after (or during) long
walks through the city or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. There’s something magical
about sipping a chilled espresso while listening to the hum of Barcelona streets
outside the café window.

And then there was Corgi Café, off Jaume I, the ultimate brunch destination. As
delicious as the Biscoff Latte is (it is a must-try) it is not the reason I ended up taking
both my girlfriend and my family here when they visited. That would be the star of the
show, an adorable little Corgi named Latte. Imagine fluffy pancakes, hearty
sandwiches, and coffee strong enough to make you feel like you could conquer the
world, all while an adorable corgi is popping out between your legs every few minutes
asking for some attention. This spot wasn’t just about fuel; it was an experience, and
they send you home with stickers so that you’ll remember.

This “coffee tour” ended up teaching me more than just where to find the best
espresso. It sharpened my time management (scheduling classes around café visits!), my adaptability, and especially my Spanish skills. I struck up small talk with baristas and fellow students in Spanish, and practiced cultural observation. It reinforced a key NACE core competency: cultural competency, helping me better understand and appreciate how small daily rituals shape a community, as well as making me feel like I was truly a part of that community.

Reflecting on my study abroad experience, I realize the unanticipated learning was in
these everyday adventures. I didn’t expect these coffee runs to teach me adaptability,
or problem-solving, nor did I expect to find how much peace simply wandering a city
would bring me, yet that’s exactly what it did. My greatest success was turning small,
seemingly ordinary moments into meaningful experiences that enhanced my cultural
awareness and personal growth.

Earning the micro-credential in cultural programming helped me make the most of
these experiences by encouraging reflection on every interaction and outing. I came to see study abroad as so much more than academics; it’s about immersing yourself in local culture, learning to navigate unfamiliar environments, and creating memories (and caffeine-fueled adventures) with the friends you meet along the way.

So, future study abroad students: hop on the metro, follow your heart, and let
Barcelona teach you one stop at a time. You might leave with a few new favorite drinks, a few local friends, and a new appreciation for how much life can be learned over coffee.

Blog by Ryan Kaplan, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Semester in Barcelona

Check out all CIS Abroad programs in Barcelona here!