Barcelona Semester with ISA Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were not terribly challenging, but I still learned a lot about the various topics. Grading system is a bit more intense in Spain than in the U.S., but I managed to receive high marks. The workload was small, but the courses and professors managed to challenge the students and still teach the subject matter well.

On-site administration of your program

I loved ISA and never had any problems with the way they ran things. Short informational meetings every once in a while kept us all in check in terms of classes, trips, activities, etc. The office was readily available to use the internet and just chat with the directors. The directors were always willing to help with travel plans, information about the city, and most anything else you needed. We had about 60 students in our session (Winter 1) and ISA handled things really well. Most of the directors are Spanish, so they have a good knowledge about stores, restaurants, festivals, etc. around Barcelona.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The homestay where I lived was one of the only complaints I have about my experience abroad. The apartment was farther away from most other students and the main downtown center. I had to take the metro everyday to class, which was about a 45 minute commute all together, but in the end I really didn't mind. There is a good bus and metro system that can easily get you where you need to go. I always felt safe around my homestay and often traveled to and from home with my roommate, who was another study abroad student. There was no need to buy anything since we were with a family, but the Spanish culture is a bit different than most American family settings and it takes a bit of getting used to. We always had to ask to use any food, never cooked ourselves, took short showers (they are careful about water usage), and had to do our own laundry (hanging it up outside on the line and all).

The food provided in the homestay wasn't bad, but I know that other students had better situations. Since we lived with a family, we were provided 3 meals a day that included a small breakfast (toast, coffee, muffin), a sandwich for lunch (bocadillo), and dinner at home. In my opinion, I felt like most of the time they were just buying the cheapest possible food to feed the international students in the house. I went to a friend's homestay a few times for dinner and the experience was much more enjoyable. Since we were provided with meals, we rarely went out to eat, but when we did the food was always very good. A few recommendations: Juicy Jones, Les Quince Nits, Milk, El Xampanyet (La champaneria), Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria), any shawarma place

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were a few trips included in the ISA program like Madrid and Toledo (right at the beginning of the semester), Girona and Figueres, and Vall de Boi. There are a few others that you can do as an elective but cost more money. I always enjoyed the trips because it was all of the students from the group together and time to hang out with the directors as well. I LOVED Carnaval, which most people celebrated in Sitges, a small coastal town just a short train ride away. Everyone dresses up in costumes, drinks, and has a great time on the beach with music. Diada de Sant Jordi is another holiday, like our Valentine's Day in the U.S. except traditionally the guy gives the girl a flower and the girl gives the guy a book.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I always felt very safe throughout the semester staying in Barcelona. A few people had problems with muggings, but I feel that as long as you are safe and smart about it, you shouldn't have any problems. You just need to remember that when you are walking at night, to NOT walk by yourself and to try and stay in areas with lots of other people. Wandering off, drunk, and alone is not the way to avoid getting mugged or attacked. I did get sick once during the semester and ISA handled it great. One of the directors took me to the doctor's office in case I needed a translator, but I was just fine and was able to communicate perfectly with the doctor in Spanish. Since we are covered under the ISA health plan, I only had to pay a small amount for the medicine they prescribed (when you go, you pay for the visit at the office and ISA reimburses you later in the mail). Spain is a fairly modern country, so there was no need to get any special vaccines or anything before traveling there.

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

My Spanish speaking, comprehension, and writing skills definitely improved over the 4-month span. Not only through class, but by interaction with my host family as well as navigating through the city and speaking with Spaniards. It was a bit different in Barcelona because it is a bilingual city with Castillian and Catalan, but I never had any issues with the languages. Most people spoke both and many spoke English in addition. One thing I regret not doing is talking and hanging out more with Spaniards. They tend to be very timid, so it can be difficult to get them to open up. I would not advise going out a lot with a big group of Americans, because it not only targets you for getting mugged, but it hinders your ability to meet new people!

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Americans