Barcleona: The City of Magic! Past Review
By Rachel J (Music Engineering, Antelope Valley College) for
AIFS: Barcelona - Universitat Autònoma Barcelona
Honestly, Barcelona was not on the top of my list of places I wanted to go. However, the moment I got there, I knew that magical city was for me!. The people are so relaxed and kind. They are very passionate about their city and way of life, and of course, their futbol! The city itself is beautiful and is surrounded by music, art, the ocean and the smell of fantastic food is everywhere. Around every corner there is always something new and exciting that is happening. There is always and adventure in Barcelona!
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Spanish 101 |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
For the Spanish class, the professors teach strictly in Spanish and do not speak English to the students. Homework such as worksheets and essays are given out nightly and are turned in the next day. Tests are every couple weeks. Participation is key to recieving a good grade. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Faculty was also interested in the students and helpful at all times. The only personal problem that I had was that classes were several hours long. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
AIFS will arrange housing for potential students of the program. I was set up, with other American students, in a hotel that also acted as long term apartments. The hotel was in a prime tourest location that had several activities going on constantly. Clubs were down the street or a small metro ride away. |
| * Food: |
Food was always delicious. As a vegetarian it was easy to find veggie friendly meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The people of Barcelona are very lovely. During the time I was there was the World Cup. I was at a local bar and watched the final match as Spain became the champions. It was amazing to be around the people and see how happy they were after their country had won. Other attractions in Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Mont Juic and Barceloneta. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Barcleona is a very safe city. It is not violent, however it does have a severe problem with pick-pocketers. As far as healthcare, there are pharmacies all around that carry whatever is needed. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Some people in Barcelona speak English, however many of the locals do not and they encourage students to try and speak as mush Spanish as possible. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be aware that not many of the locals speak English. Always be respectful of the cultural differences. Make sure your personal belongings are safe. Pick-Pockets are always watching. Don't get too drunk! |
