Intern in Barcelona: One of the Best Decisions I Have Ever Made. Past Review
By Brenda P (Graphic Design, California State University - Fullerton) for
Adelante: Barcelona - Intern In Barcelona
I learned true independence and became a much stronger, more confident individual. This experience was so enriching - intellectually, culturally, mentally, emotionally, everything. I loved learning about different cultures, languages, meeting people from all over the world and connecting with them. I fell in love with Barcelona, and I can't wait to go back!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was sent to Kingsbrook for two weeks of Spanish courses before starting my internship. The classes were well organized, the staff was very helpful and friendly, and the material was practical and thorough. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone from the Adelante program was incredibly helpful. They sent me a packet with everyone I needed to know about the program, the city, the culture that I needed to know and more. They were always more than happy to answer any questions, and checked in on me to make sure that everything was going swimmingly. Whenever I had any issues, they jumped right in and made things right as quickly as possible. They all exceeded my expectations! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
From the moment I walked in, my host welcomed me like a new member of the family. The apartment I lived in was pretty big, lovely and clean. It was located right by the Metro and several bus stops, but still close enough to the center that I could walk if I wanted. The neighborhood was wonderful, with everything I needed close by. The only thing I had to buy for myself was food and toiletries - towels, sheets, cookware was all available for me to use. |
| * Food: |
The cuisine is incredible! I loved just about everything that I tried. Bocadillos (sandwiches) are available almost everywhere for cheap, bakeries were numerous, and I don't think there was one glass of sangria that I didn't like. I adore tapas - where you can order several smaller plates of delicious food to try! One of the places I frequented was a restaurant called Taller de Tapas, on Rambla Catalunya. Everything I tried was so good, and I always sat outside to watch the world go by as I enjoyed my meal. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Barcelona is such a lively city. During the summer and fall, there is always something going on. I was fortunate to attend La Mercè, an annual festival that celebrates Barcelona's patron saint with music, dancing, fireworks and more. I was able to catch the Castellers, the human towers. And if you have a chance, visit the mountain of Montserrat just outside of the city, where you can visit the Benedictine abbey Santa Maria de Montserrat atop the mountain. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Luckily I didn't have anything worse to deal with than a cold during my stay. I do have to say that the medication (cough syrup, lozenges, ibuprofen) is easy to find and incredibly well-priced compared to the States. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I was able to practice my Spanish with the professors, the students, my host, and everyone I came in contact with in the city. Most people spoke English as well, and everyone spoke Catalan in Barcelona (as it is their first language). |
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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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you welcome the world with open arms, the world will welcome you. Life is too short not to take advantage of grand opportunities that can change it for the better. If you work hard, the reward is great, and feels that much more amazing in another country. Adelante was a gem to find, because these people made it all possible. |
