Tell me more:
I wish I could have stayed in Barcelona!
API (Academic Programs International): Barcelona - University Autonoma of 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:
Christine S. (International Business, Texas State University-San Marcos) on October 12, 2011
Overall Rating
Personal Information
| * Start Date: | 2008-08-01 |
| * End Date: | 2008-12-22 |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Very different from US universities, but it was easy to adapt to and I learned 10x more than expected. My professors were wonderful!!! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Great education and highly qualified and supportive program staff in Barcelona. |
| * Housing: |
We had the BEST apartment, I am sure of it! Great neighborhood, centrally located, only a 10 minute walk to class, and a terrace! |
| * Food: |
I lived in an apt and cooked my own food or went out to eat. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our trip to Paris was perfect!! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
The only crime committed in Barcelona is pickpocketing, so keep you purse closed and the zipper opening under your palm & you will be fine! Also, be very aware of your surroundings. I never felt unsafe in Barcelona, even while walking alone at night. |
|
* Home Institution Advising:
How well did Texas State University-San Marcos 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 |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Used it everyday. I tried my best not to speak English anywhere except in my apartment with my roommates. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? | Yes |
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Please wait until you are at least a junior in college and have intermediate Spanish language and cultural knowledge. |
| * What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? | Yes, it was extremely worthwhile. I would do it all over again without a doubt!! |