Finding My Path in Barcelona: How a Leap of Faith Led Me to IBP Barcelona

Leaving the United States right after high school to spend a year in Barcelona was supposed to be a temporary adventure. But when I returned home, something didn’t feel right. I missed the culture, the people, the rhythm of life in Spain. So, with no clear plan and absolutely no idea what I wanted to do next, I booked a one-way ticket back to Barcelona.

Clueless? Yes.
Hopeful? Definitely.
And somehow, with a mix of good faith and the right guidance, I found my path – one that led me to IBP Barcelona.

Discovering IBP Barcelona From TEFL Barcelona

I’m now a proud student in the Marketing and Advertising program at IBP Barcelona, a professional formation course that completely changed my trajectory.

If you’re from the U.S., you might be wondering, What even is a “professional formation course”?
Think of it as the Spanish version of a trade school or a two-year associate’s degree but with a stronger practical and career-focused approach. It’s hands-on, immersive, and designed to teach you real skills you can use immediately in the workforce.

After coming across TEFL Barcelona with hopes to start teaching English, I saw they offered business programs in partnership with the BCNLIP group. I was curious and decided to give it a shot. Now looking back, I’m so glad I did.

My program lasts two years and covers around eight to nine subjects – everything from digital marketing and branding to graphic design, communication, and market research. It gives you a taste of every sector so you can discover what you genuinely enjoy before choosing your specialty.

I’m now in my second year, and I can honestly say I’ve learned not only about marketing but also about who I am and what I want my professional future to look like.

Studying in Spanish as a Non-Native Speaker

Yes, the entire program is taught in Spanish.
And yes, I was terrified.

But one of the biggest surprises was how international my class turned out to be. We have students from Russia, Brazil, Thailand, Colombia, and more. It feels like a global melting pot where everyone brings their own story, culture, and perspective into the classroom.

Because many of us are not native Spanish speakers, the environment is extremely supportive. People help each other, correct each other, and celebrate every small improvement. Thanks to this course and the mix of accents around me I’ve not only improved my Spanish but have also picked up a little castellano slang and even some Colombian expressions from my friends.

A Classroom That Doesn’t Feel Like Traditional School

The program also brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. Some already have bachelor’s degrees. Some have years of professional experience. Others, like me, came in young and unsure of what to do next.

At first, this intimidated me. I worried I would be the least experienced one in the room. But instead of feeling judged, I felt supported. The diversity in our class created a safe space where people genuinely want to help each other grow. We all learn together, and we all bring different strengths to the table.

The Professor Who Pushed Me Out of My Comfort Zone

One of the most defining moments of my experience happened during my very first visit to IBP. I thought I was simply going to observe a class for an hour. Instead, the professor – José Molina – pulled me right in and invited me to participate.

I was terrified.
My Spanish was shaky.
I wasn’t mentally prepared.

But I did it anyway.

After class, José asked me to join him in the office. I explained my situation and admitted that my Spanish level wasn’t very high. He looked at me and said something that changed everything:
“Don’t worry. Just try. You’ll learn fast.”

He was right.
Sometimes you need someone who throws you into the deep end because they believe you can swim. José was that person for me.

Why IBP Was the Best Decision I Made

I’m not exaggerating when I say IBP Barcelona was one of the best decisions of my life. And no, this is not a sponsored post or some influencer promotion. I would genuinely recommend this program to anyone who wants a hands-on, real-world education in marketing, especially in a multicultural city like Barcelona.

Before starting, I didn’t even think I was interested in marketing. I assumed it was something “intuitive” and didn’t require formal study. I couldn’t have been more wrong. There is an entire world behind the strategies and decisions brands make every day, and learning how things really work has been fascinating.

I found special interest in market research, event planning, and the creative side of marketing, especially graphic design. Having access to all these areas helped me understand what truly excites me.

Starting My Internship at a Creative Agency in Barcelona

One of the most valuable parts of the program is the mandatory internship. You choose a company or the school helps you find one and spend several months gaining real work experience.

I recently began my internship at Lienna Studio, a newly created creative marketing agency founded by two incredibly talented women. The agency is based in Barcelona but also works with clients in London and is planning to expand to Dubai soon. Being part of something new and rapidly growing feels special.

So far, I’ve worked on:

  • Content creation
  • UX (User Experience)
  • PR
  • Creative strategy

It’s been less than a month, and I’ve already learned more than I could have imagined. I’m hoping to continue with the agency long-term and grow along with them here in Barcelona.

What This Experience Has Taught Me

Living and studying in Barcelona opened my eyes in so many ways. It taught me to be open to new paths, to be brave enough to start from zero, and to trust that stepping outside your comfort zone creates the biggest opportunities.

There is a whole world out there with endless possibilities. And no matter your age or background, there is always something new to learn.

Thinking About Moving Abroad? Studying? Teaching English? Just Go for It.

If it hadn’t been for TEFL Barcelona introducing me to new opportunities in Spain, I might never have discovered IBP Barcelona or the career path I’m building today.

So on that note…If you’ve considering studying abroad, moving to Spain, joining a professional formation program, or even wanting to learn how to teach English—you should take the leap.

It won’t always be easy.
It won’t always be comfortable.
But it will always be worth it.

Barcelona changed my life once, and when I returned, it changed it again.
Who knows? It might do the same for you.

 

Written by Sloan Piña Anderson