Nothing will ever compare to the life, culture, and energy of Barcelona Past Review

By (BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES., Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/03/2014 to 12/19/2014 with

CIEE: Barcelona - Business & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my Spanish and learned how to have conversations in another language. That will ALWAYS be worthwhile. I learned how to live on my own in a foreign country and take advantage of a new environment. I learned how to live in and respect a different culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Attendance and class schedule more demanding than expected

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Amazing program director

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

the program provided "guardian angels" who were very willing to include you in their friends and activities

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was sick and my program immediately got me a doctor's appointment

* Safety:

I always felt safe. I was cautious with my belongings and never felt that pick-pocketing was an issue

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)

if you spend your money wisely, it's very doable. most people spend their money on alcohol, but if you don't do that you should be fine.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spend your money on traveling and activities! Don't buy tables and drinks at clubs. That didn't add to anyone's experience.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Trips
  • Staff
  • Activities
* What could be improved?
  • Attendance policy (doctors appointments and sickness are not excused absences)
  • Class times (9ams 3 times a week including friday is not necessary)
  • Orientation (need to do a trip or activity which everyone can get to know each other and bond)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What the food would really be like. I was very surprised by the portions and styles

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'