An Unforgettable Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The two classes I took, Advanced Spanish and Sport & Culture in Contemporary Spain, were exceptional. The classrooms and building were efficient, there were extra books, resources, and a computer lab to use if we needed it, and overall I didn't have any negative experiences with anything in my educational experience.

On-site administration of your program

The entire CEA staff made this trip even more incredible. They made it a point to orient you with the city, be at your disposal with both class conflicts and general "new city problems", and even learn your name and connect to you on a personal level. All of the teachers are from across the world just like the students you meet, so in a way they're in the same situation you are and interactions with them come easy.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

CEA tells you to prepare for crappy housing arrangements, but of the apartments I saw during my time abroad I didn't witness any housing issues. However, the one negative from my trip was my housing situation simply because of the location. It took me 2 metro stops and 30 minutes to commute to my classes each way, and if you don't have back to back classes like me it can really be taxing. If this had been the same for everyone I wouldn't have cared, but it seemed my apartment was the furthest away out of anybody else in the program. Most people had a 10 minute walk to classes (our walk was 45 minutes) so this is where my low rating comes from.

Overall, I thought the food was different but good. You learn where and what to eat pretty fast. Any of the places along Las Ramblas are significantly overprices, but still pretty good. Unless you want to find a metal screw in your chicken, I highly recommend NOT eating at a Cerveceria. The seafood and rest of Barcelona's cuisine was interesting and good, though. As it's customary in Spain, be prepared to spend a LOT of time waiting between courses. In general, the food in Spain was meat and seafood heavy, but there were plenty of other options available if need be. Also, seeing La Boqueria, one of the most renown markets in Europe, while in Barcelona at least once is a must. Oh and just as an FYI, people all along the popular streets will offer you cheap beer. Be aware that it's stored in the SEWERS during the day to keep it cool and purchase it at your own risk. If you don't believe me, watch closely and sooner or later you'll see someone retrieving them from there...quite the amusing shock.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Some of the best conversations I had came from cab drivers and their unique stories, but I also interacted with local grocery store employees, waiters and waitresses, random strangers, etc. People are almost as willing to practice their English and you are your Spanish, and I really did not have any negative guest interactions.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

CEA provided an option to some kind of health insurance so as long as you followed along with that there were no glitches here.

Some of the more "rundown" areas of Barcelona were a bit sketchy, but that's to be expected in any big city. Otherwise, safety was rarely an issue in regards to going out at night, travelling during the day, etc. I will say that like other European cities though you DO have to be careful about pickpocketers because they are everywhere (especially by the beaches). Travel in groups, don't let them distract you, and you should be fine.

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

I'm only rating it this low as a personal budget. I know plenty of people who lived easily on a smaller budget, but I took the approach that I wasn't sure when I'd be back so I spent...a lot. In a little over a month, I probably went through $2500 when all was said and done, but most of this was due to nightlife, eating every meal out, taking excursions, and trips to other cities.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

You didn't have to speak Spanish (or Catalan) if you didn't want to, but it was easy to do so throughout the city. Most encounters with cab drivers, waiters, and the random people you met were very positive experiences. They understand you're trying to work on your Spanish and if all else fails, most might even know English. Also, it's interesting to know just how much a foreign language can get you around in other countries if you wish to travel. I went to Rome knowing absolutely no Italian, but had encounters where I shared Spanish as a common language and used it to communicate. Even if you don't know the language as well, one of the biggest tips you'll ever get is to at least TRY to use the country's language. A simple hello/how are you goes a LONG way in their willingness to help you or talk to you if need be.

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Meeting students from across the United States
• Meeting and bonding with locals
• Travelling

• Housing distance from classrooms

The Outright Urbanite