My new love: Barcelona! Past Review
By A student () for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Barcelona, Spain
Definitely worthwhile! Everything that I've gained from this experience will be beneficial to my future. I cannot possibly list everything that this experience has gained me. All I can say is that my life has officially changed, the way I view myself, those around me, and the world itself.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload is where it needs to be to have a successful study abroad experience. It is not too much so students are overloaded however it is also not a walk in the park. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Faculty and staff were well organized and always helped out when necessary. I knew I could rely on them whenever necessary both personally and academically. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The neighborhood was very safe. Our apartment was more of a flat. It is a gorgeous place to live in. It was in a great location as well, but not everyone was as lucky as us. I lived 2 blocks from one of the most popular bars in Barcelona so that was nice. Also it was only a 15 minute walk to CEA campus. However, I did need to purchase my own bedding. Other than that everything was included. |
| * Food: |
The food markets are available all over Barcelona and they have good prices. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The field trips arranged by CEA were great. It was nice to have most of the expenses paid for, and the hotels were nice. Also, traveling with friends was great. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Barcelona is relatively safe, the most dangerous thing to happen to most students is pickpocketing. However, if your careful with your belongings there is nothing to be afraid of. |
| 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 practiced language in two of my classrooms. We were prohibited from speaking English. However, out of the classroom I spoke mainly English because I would socialize with my friends and roommates. There were various occasions which called for me to speak Spanish, but I would have gotten along fine knowing only basic Spanish. |
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? | CEA Barcelona was a wonderful experience for me. By far one of the best decisions of my life. I am officially in love with Barcelona. It offers so much and I was never bored. The culture is rich, and the night life has a lot to offer. But it also offers a lot of entertainment for those who prefer not to party. And although it is a city there is plenty of nature and the beach is super awesome! |
