Life changing experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload and diffculty of the education in Barcelona was perfect under the circumstances. Although I was there to study Spanish language and liberal arts, I really wanted to focus on the experience of living in a foreign country, or in other words, experience the culture. The work wasn't overwhelming and allowed me to do exactly what that, experience life in Spain.

On-site administration of your program

The ISA program was extremely helpful with whatever I needed. They are there to help the students in the program and they do it well. From reccomending a good restaurant to helping out with travel arrangements, they were always there when I needed them.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived next to plaza catalunya (right next to the ISA office), so my location was perfect in terms of access to the city. Everything was in close proximity. My house family was very lenient in terms of allowing me to come back late if I wanted to go out with my friends one night. On top of that, I never had any issues with her. If you respect the host family and follow their rules, they will treat you accordingly. I was pretty much provided with everything I needed with the exception of toothpaste, shaving cream, and other small items that I'm supposed to be responsible for anyway. My host family provided me with sheets, pillow, towel, notebook, paper, and other essentials. With respect to safety, I never encountered any problems although there were a few close calls. My only concern is the petty theft and is the only issue I would warn future students. Nevertheless, the city is fairly safe to walk around at night.

My homestay mom happened to be a very good cook, so I was more than satisfied when it came to food arrangements.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Awesome is the only word I can think of. The excursions the program provided were more than adequate and the social life in Barcelona is just incredible.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

As a stated before, safety wasn't much of a concern with the exception of petty theft (pick pockets). In terms of health, I did get sick over the course of the semester. I went to the ISA office and they recommened me a good clinic. The doctor visit went by smoothly, so I have no complaints.

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

It's pretty much what you make of it. If you want to practice the foreign language, then you will have plenty of opportunities to do so, and the program absolutely encourages it. I myself did a homestay, as a result I was able to practice my spanish every day. On top of that, I made an effort to go out and interact with Spaniards everywhere I could. That includes restaurants, stores, and on the street.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family