Past Review

By (Marketing., Providence College) for

CIEE: Barcelona - Business & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. The friends, experiences, knowledge, and overall appreciation for all of those things and more is priceless.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: ESCI
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Attendance policy was too strict and classes on Friday's were unnecessary

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Helpful towards students and wants them to experience as much as they can. However, classes on fridays hindered that experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Melon District: Marina Housing was nice but there were a number of problems with the internet, heating, and the kitchen cleanliness. Also, the staff was generally helpful, but the rules (more specifically regarding guests) were beyond strict and ridiculous. <br /><br /> Staff was helpful but Melon District's policies were ridiculous.

* Food:

Was able to cook for myself and did not have many problems.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Barcelona is fun...

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Felt safe in the city, although muggers and pickpocketers are common. As long as you are constantly aware, you will be fine.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Pack half as much, bring twice as much money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

Already fluent in Spanish language

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't hesitate, just go.