Spain: Terrible Food, Great Place Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

On-site administration of your program

I cannot say enough good things about this program. Around the clock assistance. The student truly is the number one priority. I absolutely loved the entire staff and they went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. When some noticed that i was struggling with the language they offered me all the free extra tutoring I need and at the end of the day, that made all the difference and I am grateful to CIEE and their staff. You want to feel comfortable and secure when you take part in something like this and CIEE went above and beyond anything I could've ever imagined.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was about 30 mins. from UPF, 10-15 from CIEE. Right in the middle of two metro stations. I lived by a ton of local bars, just in a great area. I felt safe enough but you always have to exercise caution when living abroad. Mostly everything was provided for me. I bought shampoo and snacks and that's pretty much it. I absolutely loved my host family. The cooking was less than spectacular but I adored them so much I didn't care. I felt completely comfortable and at home and my experience would not have been what is was without them and my language skills (as bad as they are) would not have improved at all had it not been for living in a homestay. As scary as it was being picked up by them the first day and not knowing a word they were saying, looking back, it was the most amazing experience/feeling of my life.

Spanish food is some of the worst food i've ever had, forgive me for liking flavor. My best friend there was a vegetarian and it was EXTREMELY difficult for her. I witnessed her struggles day in and day out. The quantity of food you get for your money is very low. 'Tapas' are a huge rip off. You pay 4-5 Euros which is about 6-8 dollars for a tapa which you can consume in 2 bites. Most tapa places are tourist traps for sure, so you gotta watch out. As you spend time there you will come to find your safe havens, although its not without trial and error.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved when CIEE arranged field trips. We had a weekend trip to Madrid and like 3-4 day trips. They take care of everything, pay for everything, set up excursions. It is AWESOME because you'll come to see how stressful traveling on your own can be.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

CIEE is on call 24/7. Always there for you.

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

I practiced most with my Senor and Senora, which is the main reason I encourage you to do a homestay. A lot of people in Barcelona speak English and you usually spend most of your time with American students so you don't really get to use Spanish as much. But I would recommend that you do try to use it in your everyday life.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans