API (Academic Programs International): Barcelona - University Autonoma of Barcelona Photo

Time of my life in Barcelona

Program Information

The University Autònoma of Barcelona was founded in 1968 and is well known for its international profile. API students complete classes in English and in Spanish with mostly American students at two different campuses. The Sant Pau campus is located in a renovated UNESCO World Heritage building near the famous... More

Provider: Academic Programs International (API)
Location(s): Barcelona, Spain
Year Founded: 1997
Website Take me there!

Review By:

Kylee R. (Communication, UMass - Amherst) on November 30, 2011

Overall Rating

Personal Information

* Start Date: 2010-08-22
* End Date: 2010-12-15
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very manageable and the grading system fair. The teaching methods were a little different but easy to get used to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My program size was perfect, about 100 kids which provided the ability to get to know other people and feel comfortable. The program was very organized and was able to get things done, definitely exceeded my expectations.

* Housing:

* Food:

The food is quite different but not bad, grocery shopping is a little difficult in a different language but nothing unmanageable.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved the excursions provided by my program to Paris and Madrid. While in Barcelona the Pope visited the Sagrada Familia which was incredible.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

My program directors made us very aware of safety and precautions to keep us safe.

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did UMass - Amherst prepare and support you for your time abroad?

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

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

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The directors were very accommodating and made the transition easier
  • The entire program was well organized and I loved the excursions
  • The school was very well organized and I loved my courses
* What could be improved?
  • Better understanding of the city to the students
* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? Yes
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? My abroad experience completely changed my cultural awareness and really brought me out of my mindsest.