Barcelona: Is it Really Time to Go? Past Review
By Liesl H (Global Studies: Business and Economics, Providence College) for
CIEE: Barcelona - Business & Culture
I learned so much from my time in Barcelona. I experienced new things and learned a lot about myself. It was my time to become more independent and confident in myself. I was able to use my Spanish and become more confident in speaking with other people. I definitely can see myself moving to Barcelona after college and working. I gained an even greater appreciation for European lifestyle and developed a larger perspective of the world.
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. |
I was expecting the workload to be less than at PC. It was less than the normal amount, but it was still challanging and kept you engaged in the class. Grading was different because it is based on a 1-10 point scale. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was really great at helping us to adjust to the new environment. We had programs that allowed us to integrate into the Spanish community and get to know some of the local students. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed in Residencia Onix and it was central to everything. It was a really great residencia with great people. I met a lot of locals and other Americans living in Onix. Those who were there before us were very friendly and welcoming to me. It was only a 15 minute walk to both the gym and classes and there was a market right underneath the building. Onix was the perfect place to stay. |
| * Food: |
The market below Onix always had fresh food and there are plenty of restuarants around Onix to dine at. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had a blast on the Sevilla weekend trip as well as the wine tasting and day trip to Sitges. The beach was beautiful and the wine was delicious. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I felt like the city of Barcelona was safer than the city of Providence. I could walk home alone at night in Barcelona and feel just as safe as if it were in the day time. I had no problems or issues with safety. As long as you are smart about it, 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? | I would bring more money than you think. I had a lot of people to shop for when it came time to buy gifts and I spent about 150 euros just on gifts for my family. Bring some money for yourself as well because I thought I would not get sucked into shopping for myself, and I didn't too much, but I bought a few things for myself. You will spend a lot of money on food if you are in an apartment or residencia. Keep in mind traveling as well because you will be buying breakfast, lunch and dinner when you travel. Buy snacks to bring with you on trips because that will save you some money on food. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
We practiced Spanish both in class and out of class. We had intercambio partners which was a helpful way to practice Spanish and our Spanish native partner to practice English. I used the language every day becuase almost everyone in Barcelona speaks Catalan or Castellano. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Anyone can benefit from studying abroad with my program but mainly business studies students. Study Aboad is what you make it to be, so keep an open mind and dare to try new things. |
