Studying in Barcelona: The Best Thing I Ever Did Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

With the exception of one professor (a CIEE language professor), my university professors were not very nice or helpful to students. Sometimes they were outwardly rude, which was disappointing.

On-site administration of your program

When I was trying to switch one of my classes during the add/drop period, my program director was not as available as I thought she should have been, given that there were only a couple of days allotted to make schedule changes. Also, she was a half hour late to our scheduled meeting, which I thought was unacceptable. On a more positive note, when I was sick while abroad, the woman in charge of medical issues was very helpful and prompt in booking me a doctor's appointment as well as following up with me to see how I was doing, which I really appreciated.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My residencia was in a great location with respect to nightlife (many bars, clubs within walking distance) and my university (about a 10 minute walk). I was provided with bedding and cookware and was overall very comfortable and pleased with my living arrangement; however there were a few issues with the Marina staff that I'd like to mention. First off, I stored my bags there after my program ended while I travelled. When I picked them up, I found that my computer was pretty much no longer functioning. I was told that the Marina staff was "not responsible" for the damages and was not refunded any money (I had paid 72 E to have my bags stored!). Also, a PC student studying in a different city was visiting Barcelona at the beginning of April; I told her I would meet her for dinner, but did not give her my room number or permission to show up at my dorm. The Marina staff not only gave her my room number when she showed up to the residencia, but also let her through the gates without consulting me so that she was able to come up to my room. When I confronted the staff, as this created an awkward and inconvenient situation for me, they denied responsibility yet again. I explained that that was a major safety and security issue, as they did not know who she was, nor her relationship to me, and that it was highly unacceptable. Lastly, the cleaning staff came every Friday. I left my room to have lunch with a couple friends and returned around 3:00 to a clean room. About 15 minutes later, a person dressed in a staff uniform entered my room and appeared to be startled to find me in the room. I said, "Excuse me?" and the individual asked me if I "liked the cleaning," in a strange, suspicious manner. I found this rather alarming, however never reported it due to the staff's previous refusal to accept responsibility for any wrongdoing I had brought to their attention. Although I was very grateful to live in such a nice, comfortable complex with many of my friends, I was quite honestly unimpressed by the Marina staff.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I went to Carnival in Cadiz with my boyfriend and some friends. It was an AWESOME cultural experience and I would highly recommend it.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Pickpockets were a major issue; I got my blackberry stolen and I know many of my friends did as well. I would tell students that you really can't be too careful watching your things. I never thought it would happen to me and it did. In terms of healthcare, my program scheduled me a doctors appointment with an English-speaking doctor who was very kind and helped a lot.

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

I spoke a good amount of Spanish in everyday interactions (i.e. stores, taxis). Some people spoke a little English. I spoke English in my residencia which was mainly with other American students.

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Americans