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Barcelona: Work Hard Play Hard
CIEE: Barcelona - Business & Culture
Program Information
This program is designed for students at any language level with a strong interest in business and economics (classes taught both in English and Spanish). Students who are motivated to develop their Spanish language skills and learn about Spain and Europe through living in the unique and beautiful city of Barc... More
| Provider: | CIEE |
| Location(s): | Barcelona, Spain |
| Year Founded: | |
| Website | Take me there! |
Review By:
Brent M. (Accountancy, Providence College) on June 27, 2011
Overall Rating
Personal Information
| * Start Date: | 2011-01-01 |
| * End Date: | 2011-04-12 |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system is a bit skewed, despite the professors attempting to use the U.S. system. Workload seemed appropriate, but the class attendance policy was very strict. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Program was very well organized yet overly strict on attendance. Also, class schedules were not positive for students looking to travel on the weekends or explore the night life. |
| * Housing: |
Housing was arranged for us. If there was not enough room in the dorms, you were given a host family regardless of preference. |
| * Food: |
Accommodation available. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Traveling Spain, europe, and exploring Barcelona. Take time to see the museums and historical pieces of each country. Also, submerge in the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
it is a safe country, but you must be aware of pickpockets. No health issues that noticed. |
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* Home Institution Advising:
How well did Providence College prepare and support you for your time abroad? |
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Watch your expenses at the beginning, and plan trips out early. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Practiced in class and used the language everyday with my host family and locals. English was spoken by most if it was needed. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * 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? | Prepare yourself for the culture that you are entering. A student that will do will is one that is dedicated to their studies but willing to have fun. |
| * What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? | I gained worldly insight on a variety of issues. Also, I now understand how different cultures operate, yet have maintained the same academic and career goals. |