Barcelona. Best decision of my life. Past Review
By A student () for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Barcelona, Spain
This experience is something I will NEVER forget. It was worth every penny.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There classrooms were not the best but they did the job. Teachers were very nice and extremely helpful with anything. Grading was easy. Class was only 4 days a week. The overall quality of the "education" was not the best but I would still recommend this program. Absence policy was a bit strict. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
CEA is probably the largest study abroad company in Barcelona. Everyone was very knowledgeable and helpful whenever you needed it. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed in Residencia Onix in a double room with one other American. Sharing a small room would be my only complaint but it worked out great for me. I loved the place. Staff was awesome. You can do whatever you want in your room. Great for parties. The reception isn't as strict as other places and you can bring in whoever, whenever. It's 15 minutes walking (max) from everything. GREAT location. It was like staying in a hotel with a kitchen. You don't really meet anyone there though. It's a mix of people from all over. Not just Americans. I recommend it! |
| * Food: |
Bo d bee's! grab one of these awesome sandwiches, a beer and walk to the beach! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trips around Spain were nice. I went to Madrid and San Sebastian with CEA. The hotels were very nice, good tours, and then you were just on your own to explore. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Just be weary of pick pockets on the metro and in tourist areas. Other than that even the girls felt safe walking around at night. I never heard of any violent crimes during my stay. |
| 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 |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Almost everyone, in every city/country I went to (20 in total) spoke some English. If you want immersion stay with a family. I rarely spoke any Spanish on a daily basis. Unless you're already fluent people will most likely answer any Spanish you do speak in English. They generally either like speaking English. Honestly it is what you make of it. |
| 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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you're not a social person and are purely focusing on the "educational" aspect of study abroad then this may not be for you. If you ever remotely like to party this program/city combo is PERFECT. I learned enough to where I don't feel it was a waste yet was able to have the best time of my life in the process. DO NOT. I REPEAT. DO NOT but a phone through CEA/Cell hire. wait and get a prepaid phone. That was the biggest waste of money by far. There is also free wifi everywhere so don't worry about that. |
